Bailiff payment order in Belgium
The bailiff payment order in tenancy matters: when, how, cost and consequences for the defaulting tenant in Belgium.
- 01 Definition
- 02 Procedure
- 03 Cost and deadlines
- 04 What to do
What is a payment order
A payment order is an official act delivered by a bailiff that formally demands the debtor to pay. It is a crucial step in the recovery of rental debts.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who delivers it | Bailiff |
| When | After a judgement by the justice of the peace |
| Payment deadline | Generally 24 hours to 1 month |
| Effect | Opens the way to seizure |
| Cost | Borne by the debtor |
The payment order can only be issued after an enforceable judgement. The formal notice is a prior non-judicial step.
Payment order procedure
Prior steps
- Formal notice by registered letter
- Conciliation or mediation (optional)
- Summons before the justice of the peace
- Judgement ordering the tenant to pay
- Payment order by bailiff
- Seizure if non-payment
Content of the payment order
The bailiff’s act mentions: the judgement of conviction, the amount of the debt (unpaid rent, indemnities, interest), the payment deadline and the consequences of non-payment (seizure).
Cost and deadlines
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Service of the payment order | 150-300 EUR |
| Movable property seizure costs | 200-500 EUR |
| Wage garnishment costs | 100-200 EUR |
| Total (borne by the tenant) | 450-1,000 EUR |
Court costs accumulate and are added to the tenant’s debt. The further the proceedings advance, the higher the cost for both parties.
[!tip] Practical tip Document every step of the recovery with your rental management software. Chronological evidence strengthens your case before the court.
What to do when facing a defaulting tenant
The payment order is the second-to-last step before seizure. Always prioritise an amicable settlement: conciliation is less costly and faster.
Consult the rental disputes guide to learn about all the options. Protect yourself from the outset with a solid rental deposit and a well-drafted lease.