Pets in co-ownership: internal regulations
Pets in co-ownership: internal regulations
What the co-ownership regulations say
In Belgium, the co-ownership regulations may govern the presence of pets in the building, but a total ban is generally deemed disproportionate by the courts.
Permitted clauses
| Clause | Validity |
|---|---|
| Total ban on all animals | Challengeable in court |
| Leash required in common areas | Valid |
| Ban on dangerous animals | Valid |
| Limit on number of animals | Valid if reasonable |
| Ban in green spaces | Valid |
| Obligation to clean up droppings | Valid |
Prohibited clauses
The regulations cannot ban assistance animals (guide dogs, emotional support animals with medical certificate). This protection stems from the right to non-discrimination.
For the general rules of co-ownership, see our guide on co-ownership and renting.
Tenant’s rights
When the lease allows pets
If the lease does not contain a prohibition clause, the tenant may keep a pet. The co-ownership regulations alone cannot override this right.
When the lease prohibits pets
The tenant must respect the prohibition clause they signed. In case of non-compliance, the landlord may:
- Send a formal notice to the tenant
- Request termination of the lease before the justice of the peace
- Claim damages
Exotic pets (NAC)
Reptiles, rodents and caged birds rarely cause issues in co-ownership, unless the regulations specifically mention them. Animals requiring a permit (exotic species) are governed by regional legislation.
Nuisances and remedies
Types of nuisances
| Nuisance | Responsible party | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated barking | Animal owner | Building manager, then justice of the peace |
| Odours (litter, cage) | Animal owner | Building manager |
| Droppings in common areas | Animal owner | Building manager, infringement report |
| Damage to common areas | Unit owner | Liability insurance |
| Stray animals in corridors | Unit owner | Building manager |
Procedure in case of complaint
- The complainant reports to the building manager
- The building manager contacts the unit owner
- The owner intervenes with the tenant
- If the disturbance persists, formal notice
- As a last resort, application to the justice of the peace
The building manager addresses the unit owner, never the tenant directly. The landlord is responsible for ensuring the tenant complies with the co-ownership regulations.
Practical advice
For the landlord
- Transmit the co-ownership regulations clauses on pets to the tenant
- Include a pet clause in the lease (permission or prohibition)
- Respond promptly to building manager complaints
For the tenant
- Read the co-ownership regulations before signing the lease
- Verify that your lease allows pets
- Respect common areas and clean up droppings
- Take out liability insurance covering your animal
For questions about noise nuisances in co-ownership, see our dedicated guide. Centralise your rental documents with a rental management software.