Home insurance for tenants in Belgium
Complete guide to home insurance for tenants in Belgium. Obligation, coverage, costs, comparison and steps to take out the right policy.
Is home insurance mandatory for tenants in Belgium?
Home insurance is not imposed by any federal or regional law. However, it is contractually mandatory in the vast majority of leases (95%+ in Brussels and Wallonia, 80%+ in Flanders).
The legal foundation is Article 1733 of the Civil Code: the tenant is presumed liable for fire damage unless they prove an external cause. Without insurance, the tenant bears all financial risk personally.
In practice, the landlord requires an insurance certificate before handing over the keys. A tenant without insurance may face lease termination for breach of contract.
Coverage and guarantees
What is typically covered
| Guarantee | Description |
|---|---|
| Tenant liability | Damage to the rented property (fire, explosion, water) |
| Contents | Personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) |
| Civil liability | Damage to neighbours and third parties |
| Theft | Burglary with forced entry (conditions apply) |
| Glass breakage | Windows, mirrors, glass furniture tops |
| Rehousing | Temporary accommodation if property uninhabitable |
What is typically excluded
- Damage caused by gross negligence (leaving a candle unattended)
- Damage from wear and tear or lack of maintenance
- Professional activity (requires a separate policy)
- Pets causing damage to the property structure
- Flooding in non-flood-zone properties (depends on the policy)
How to subscribe
- Before signing the lease: compare at least 3 offers
- Provide property details: address, area, floor, number of rooms, EPC score
- Evaluate your contents: total value of personal belongings
- Choose the excess: EUR 250-500 is standard (see excess guide)
- Subscribe online or in person: most Belgian insurers offer online subscription
- Receive the certificate: forward it to your landlord
Average annual cost: EUR 90-250 for an apartment, depending on area, location and coverage level.
Co-tenancy insurance
In co-tenancy, two options:
- Single policy in all flatmates’ names: cheaper but needs updating at each change
- Individual policies: more flexible but more expensive overall
Consult our dedicated guide on home insurance in co-tenancy for details.
Tips for choosing the right policy
- Do not under-insure your contents — the proportional rule reduces compensation if you are under-insured
- Check the excess per claim type (fire, water damage, theft may differ)
- Read the exclusions carefully — not all policies cover the same risks
- Compare annually: switch insurers at each renewal if a better offer exists
- Bundle policies: some insurers offer discounts if you combine home and car insurance
For a detailed comparison, consult our guide on home insurance comparison. To create a lease requiring proper insurance, use our online lease generator.