First letting: complete checklist
Complete checklist for your first letting in Belgium. From preparing the property to signing the lease, all steps detailed.
Preparing the property for the first letting
If this is your first letting, every detail counts. Here is the preparation checklist:
| Action | Deadline before publication | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Personal property assessment (personal inventory) | D-45 | High |
| Refresh works if necessary | D-45 to D-21 | Medium |
| Compliance works (safety, EPC) | D-30 | High |
| Order the EPC certificate | D-30 | Mandatory |
| Order the electrical inspection | D-30 | Mandatory |
| Install smoke detectors + CO | D-14 | Mandatory |
| Photograph the property | D-7 | High |
| Set the rent (market study) | D-7 | High |
If your property has an EPC score of E, F or G, assess the need for energy improvement works before letting.
Administrative requirements
| Document | Mandatory | Status |
|---|---|---|
| EPC certificate | Yes | To be ordered |
| Electrical compliance report | Yes | To be ordered |
| Asbestos certificate (Flanders) | Yes (if pre-2001 property) | To be ordered |
| Rental permit (Wallonia) | If applicable | To be requested |
| Fire insurance | Mandatory | To be taken out/verified |
| Regional annex to the lease | Yes | Generated automatically |
The landlord’s fire insurance is distinct from the tenant’s insurance. Verify that your policy covers the rental (landlord civil liability).
For the first letting, also consult the tax aspects: declaration of rental income and property tax.
Listing and viewings
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Draft the listing | Complete description + EPC score | D |
| Publish the listing | Immoweb + Zimmo + ImmoVlan + FB | D |
| Respond to enquiries | Within 24 hours maximum | D+1 |
| Organise viewings | Group time slots | D+7 |
| Collect applications | Standardised application form | D+7 to D+10 |
| Analyse applications | Solvency, references | D+10 to D+14 |
For your listing, include at minimum: rent + charges, floor area, number of bedrooms, EPC score, quality photos and precise location.
Finalising the rental
| Step | Timeline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the tenant | D+14 | Based on objective criteria |
| Draft the lease | D+14 to D+21 | Online lease |
| Lease signing | D+21 | Lease + annexes + property inventory |
| Property inventory | Day of entry | Joint inspection |
| Key handover | Day of entry | With the property inventory |
| Rental deposit | Within 30 days | Blocked account or GCLI |
After signing: ongoing obligations
| Obligation | Frequency | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lease registration (MyRent) | Within 2 months | Free (primary residence) |
| Rent indexation | Annual (anniversary date) | If EPC-compliant |
| Charge settlement | Annual | Rental charges |
| Structural maintenance | Ongoing | At the landlord’s expense |
| Tax return | Annual | Rental income |
| Certificate renewal | EPC 10 years, electrical 25 years | Plan ahead |
The first letting is the most demanding in terms of time and procedures. A rental management software guides you at every step and automates recurring obligations (indexation, charge settlement, reminders).
Frequently asked questions
-
1. Prepare the property (works, diagnostics). 2. Set the rent (market research). 3. Publish the listing (photos, platforms). 4. Select the tenant (viewings, application file). 5. Sign the lease and register (MyRent, property inventory).
-
Allow 6 to 10 weeks from the start of preparation to signing the lease. Diagnostics take 2-3 weeks, listing and viewings 2-4 weeks, and finalisation 1-2 weeks.
-
Between EUR 500 and 2,000: mandatory diagnostics (EUR 400-900), possible refresh (EUR 0-1,000), premium listings (EUR 0-200). These costs are tax-deductible via the 40% flat-rate allowance.