Setting up the rental deposit: deadlines and procedure
When and how to set up the rental deposit in Belgium? Deadlines, bank procedure, PCSW.
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Forms of rental deposit in Belgium
Belgian law provides for several forms of rental deposit, each with its own timeframes and conditions.
The 3 legal forms
| Form | Maximum amount | Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Individual blocked account | 2 months’ rent | The tenant deposits the sum in a blocked account |
| Bank guarantee | 3 months’ rent | The bank stands as guarantor, repayment over 3 years |
| Guarantee via PCSW | 3 months’ rent | The PCSW constitutes the deposit |
Common rules
- The deposit is always placed in a bank account in the tenant’s name
- The landlord may never require payment in cash
- Interest accrues to the tenant
- Release requires mutual agreement or a court decision
For the general framework, see our guide on the rental deposit.
Timeframes by option
Individual blocked account
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Account opening | 1-5 business days |
| Transfer of amount | 1-2 business days |
| Bank certificate | Immediately after deposit |
| Total | 1-2 weeks |
Bank guarantee
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application to the bank | 1 day |
| File review | 5-10 business days |
| Approval and setup | 3-5 business days |
| Certificate | 1-2 business days |
| Total | 2-4 weeks |
Guarantee via the PCSW
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application to the PCSW | 1 day |
| Social enquiry | 1-4 weeks |
| PCSW decision | 1-2 weeks |
| Effective constitution | 1-2 weeks |
| Total | 3-8 weeks |
Plan ahead
Bank guarantees and PCSW guarantees can take several weeks. Begin the process as soon as the lease is signed, without waiting for the key handover date. A delay in constituting the deposit can delay move-in.
Step-by-step procedure
Blocked account (most common)
- Sign the lease
- Visit the bank with the lease and an identity document
- Request the opening of a rental deposit account
- Deposit the agreed amount (maximum 2 months’ rent)
- Obtain the bank certificate
- Send the certificate to the landlord
Bank guarantee
- Sign the lease
- Contact your bank for a bank guarantee application
- Provide the required documents (lease, income, ID)
- Await the bank’s approval
- Sign the guarantee agreement (repayment over maximum 3 years)
- The bank sends the certificate to the landlord
In case of financial difficulty
If the tenant cannot constitute the deposit:
- Contact the PCSW of the municipality where the property is located
- Consider rental deposit insurance
- Negotiate an instalment plan with the landlord (with a lease addendum)
Practical advice
For the tenant
- Start the process as soon as the lease or pre-agreement is signed
- Compare bank fees between institutions
- Contact the PCSW if you are in difficulty (it is your right)
- Always keep the deposit certificate
For the landlord
- Specify the deposit method in the lease
- Do not hand over keys before receiving the bank certificate
- Never accept a cash payment
- Verify that the deposit is in an individual blocked account
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Accepting cash | Void, the tenant can claim restitution |
| Depositing to the landlord’s account | Void, the landlord risks a fine |
| Not registering the lease | Deposit unprotected in case of sale |
| Requesting more than 2 months (blocked account) | Abusive clause, reducible by the judge |
Manage your deposits and contracts with a rental management software. For disputes over the deposit, see our dedicated guide.