First rent payment: when is it due in Belgium
When must you pay the first rent in Belgium? Pro rata temporis, lease start date, rental deposit and steps for the new tenant.
When to pay the first rent
The first rent is due on the effective start date of the lease, which generally corresponds to the day of key handover and move-in.
| Situation | First rent due on |
|---|---|
| Lease signed on the 1st, move-in on the 1st | 1st of the month (full rent) |
| Lease signed on the 15th, move-in on the 20th | 20th of the month (pro rata) |
| Lease signed on the 1st, move-in on the 15th | 15th of the month (pro rata) |
| Lease with deferred effective date | On the stated effective date |
Lucas’s lease was signed on 15 March but move-in is scheduled for 20 March. His first rent covers the period from 20 to 31 March (12 days), calculated pro rata.
Do not confuse the signing date and the effective date. If the lease states “this lease takes effect on 20 March 2026”, it is 20 March that the first rent is due — even if you signed on the 15th.
Pro rata temporis calculation
Formula
First rent = monthly rent / number of days in the month x number of days of occupation
Lucas’s example
- Monthly rent: 750 EUR
- Month of March: 31 days
- Occupation: 20 to 31 March = 12 days
First rent = 750 / 31 x 12 = 290.32 EUR
The full rent of 750 EUR is due from 1 April.
Following months
| Month | Amount | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| March (pro rata) | 290.32 EUR | 12 days |
| April | 750 EUR | Full month |
| May | 750 EUR | Full month |
| … | 750 EUR | + annual indexation |
The lease must specify the monthly payment date (generally the 1st of the month). For service charges, the same pro rata logic applies.
Rental deposit
When to constitute it
The rental deposit is constituted before the key handover. In practice:
| Method | Timeline | Maximum amount |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked bank account | 1-2 weeks (account opening) | 2-3 months’ rent |
| Bank guarantee | 1-3 days | 2-3 months’ rent |
| PCSW (if difficulty) | 2-4 weeks | 2-3 months’ rent |
Do NOT confuse
| Item | Nature | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Rental deposit | Security deposit | Blocked account (not to the landlord) |
| First rent | Monthly payment | To the landlord |
| Charge provision | Advance on charges | To the landlord |
| Agency fees | Commission (if agency) | To the agency |
The tenant must budget all these amounts before moving in. For a rent of 750 EUR with 2 months’ deposit: 750 (pro rata) + 1,500 (deposit) + 100 (charges) = approximately 2,350 EUR to mobilise.
New tenant checklist
Before signing
- Visit the dwelling and check compliance
- Check the EPC and electrical compliance
- Budget: deposit + first rent (pro rata) + charges + insurance
- Take out home insurance
Signing day / key handover
- Sign the lease in 2 copies
- Constitute the rental deposit
- Pay the first rent (pro rata if mid-month move-in)
- Carry out the move-in property inventory (with photos)
- Read the meters (water, gas, electricity)
- Provide the insurance certificate to the landlord
In the following days
- Register your address at the municipality (8 days)
- Change energy suppliers if necessary
- Check that the lease is registered at the FPS Finance
To create a clear lease with effective date and payment terms, use our online lease generator. For other situations, see our case studies.