Inventory and water meters: mandatory reading
Inventory and water meters: mandatory reading
Is reading the meters mandatory?
In Belgium, no federal law explicitly requires reading water, gas or electricity meters during the property inventory. However, this practice is strongly recommended by all three Regions and is included in the official property inventory templates.
In Wallonia, the standard inventory form provided by the decree of 15 March 2018 includes a “meter readings” section. In Brussels, the ordinance of 27 July 2017 encourages the same practice. In Flanders, the Flemish Housing Rent Decree does not explicitly mention it but standard templates include it.
Meter readings are therefore not a legal obligation in the strict sense, but their absence can create significant disputes at tenant move-out.
How to read meters correctly
Which meters to read?
| Meter | Information to record |
|---|---|
| Cold water | Meter number + reading in m3 |
| Hot water (if separate) | Meter number + reading in m3 |
| Electricity | Meter number + day reading + night reading |
| Gas | Meter number + reading in m3 |
Step-by-step procedure
- Locate the meters — they are usually in the basement, utility room or entrance hall
- Note the serial number of each meter to avoid confusion (especially in apartment buildings)
- Read the indexes in the presence of both parties (adversarial character)
- Photograph each dial with the timestamp enabled
- Record the readings in the written inventory, with the date
Notification to suppliers
In Brussels and Wallonia, it is recommended to notify the change of tenant to the water distributor (VIVAQUA, SWDE, or the municipal supplier) within 30 days. In Flanders, contact De Watergroep or the local distributor.
Consequences of omitting the reading
If the meters were not read at move-in, several problems may arise:
- Pro-rata allocation: the supplier will allocate consumption based on the days of occupation, without considering each tenant’s actual consumption
- Disputes between tenants: the outgoing tenant may be charged for the incoming tenant’s consumption (or vice versa)
- Impact on the rental deposit: in case of an unpaid water bill, the landlord may be tempted to withhold part of the rental deposit to cover the balance
In apartment buildings with a shared meter, the absence of individual readings makes precise attribution impossible. Provide a clear allocation system in the lease.
Best practices for meter readings
- Read the meters on the day of key handover — not before, not after
- Photograph each meter with the dial clearly legible
- Have the readings signed by both parties in the inventory
- Notify the change to water, gas and electricity suppliers within 30 days
- Keep the evidence (photos, signed form) throughout the lease
To automatically include a meter reading section in your lease, use our online lease generator. A rental management software then allows you to store readings and track consumption over time.