Letting checklist: everything to verify before letting
Complete checklist for letting in Belgium. Diagnostics, listing, viewings, lease, rental deposit and registration step by step.
Before letting: the complete checklist
Letting a property in Belgium requires preparation. Missing a step can lead to legal issues, delays or financial loss. This checklist covers everything from property preparation to tenant move-in.
Pre-letting checklist
| Step | Required | Status |
|---|---|---|
| EPC certificate | Mandatory | Before listing |
| Electrical compliance certificate | Mandatory | Before letting |
| Smoke detectors | Mandatory | Before letting |
| CO detectors | Mandatory (gas) | Before letting |
| Rental deposit account | Mandatory | Before key handover |
| Inventory of fixtures | Mandatory | At entry |
| Lease registration | Mandatory | Within 2 months |
Each of these obligations applies regardless of the region. Some regions impose additional requirements (rental permit in Wallonia, conformiteitsattest in certain Flemish municipalities).
Required documents
Before publishing a listing, the landlord must have:
- Valid EPC certificate (< 10 years) — see our EPC guide
- Electrical compliance certificate (< 25 years)
- Proof of smoke detector installation
- Oil tank certificate (if applicable)
- Co-ownership documents (if applicable): regulations, latest charge accounts
These documents must be available for the prospective tenant at the viewing and annexed to the lease.
Preparing the property
Before viewings:
- Repair any defects (plumbing, electrical, paintwork)
- Clean thoroughly including windows
- Ensure all equipment works (heating, hot water, appliances if furnished)
- Take professional photographs for the listing
- Estimate the right rent based on the local market
A well-presented property lets faster and commands a better rent. Each month of vacancy is a net loss.
Creating the listing
The listing must include:
- Property description (type, size, rooms, amenities)
- EPC score (mandatory)
- Rent and charges (provisions or flat-rate)
- Location (neighbourhood, transport, amenities)
- Quality photographs
- Contact details
Publish on the major Belgian portals. See our guide on which platform to use.
Ready to let
Once all documents are gathered and the property is prepared, you are ready to receive candidates. Use a rental management software to track applications, schedule viewings and manage the entire process from listing to lease signing.
For a complete first-time letting guide, consult our comprehensive checklist.