How to check a lease's compliance in Belgium
The points to verify before signing a lease in Belgium. Mandatory clauses, prohibited clauses, required appendices and differences by Region.
Mandatory mentions in a lease
A primary residence lease in Belgium must contain at minimum the following information:
| Mention | Mandatory | Consequence if missing |
|---|---|---|
| Identity of the parties | Yes | Lease void |
| Description of the property (address, floor, area) | Yes | Lease contestable |
| Amount of rent | Yes | Lease void |
| Amount of charges (lump sum or provisions) | Yes | Charges not recoverable |
| Duration of the lease | Recommended | 9-year lease by default |
| Indexation method | Recommended | Legal indexation by default |
| Amount of rental deposit | Yes | No deposit possible |
| Effective date | Yes | Lease contestable |
| EPC score | Yes (Brussels, Wallonia) | Administrative fine |
In Brussels, the regional standard lease has been mandatory since the ordinance of 27 July 2017. In Wallonia, the standard lease is imposed by the decree of 15 March 2018. In Flanders, a template is recommended but not mandatory.
Required annexes by Region
Brussels
- Valid EPC certificate
- Annex on applicable regional rules
- Entry inventory (within the month following entry)
- Indicative rent scale (binding from 2026)
Wallonia
- EPC certificate
- Annex on regional rules
- Entry inventory
- Copy of rental permit (if applicable)
Flanders
- EPC certificate (Flemish equivalent)
- Electrical installation compliance (certificate)
- Entry inventory
The absence of an EPC certificate in the rental advertisement and in the lease exposes the landlord to a fine of EUR 625 to EUR 62,500 in Brussels. Consult our guide on EPC and rental.
Prohibited clauses
Certain clauses are automatically void in a primary residence lease:
- Waiver clause of the tenant’s right to termination
- Excessive penalty for late rent (see penalty clause)
- Unannounced visits by the landlord (the tenant has the right to peaceful enjoyment)
- Prohibition of registration (the tenant has the right to register their address)
- Deposit exceeding 3 months of rent
- Indexation clause exceeding the health index
- Re-letting fees charged to the outgoing tenant
- Automatic joint liability clause with the non-signatory spouse (in Flanders)
The law of 4 April 2019 on unfair clauses reinforces this protection by prohibiting any significant imbalance between the parties’ rights and obligations.
Pre-signature checklist
For the tenant
- Is the lease in writing and in two copies?
- Are rent and charges clearly distinguished?
- Is the duration mentioned (3-6-9 or short-term)?
- Is the EPC certificate annexed?
- Is the rental deposit 2 or 3 months maximum?
- Are there unfair clauses (excessive penalty, unannounced visits)?
- Is the entry inventory scheduled within the month following entry?
For the landlord
- Are all mandatory mentions present?
- Are the regional annexes attached?
- Is the insurance clause included?
- Is the termination clause compliant?
- Is the lease ready for registration with the FPS Finance?
To generate a lease that is 100% compliant with your Region, use our online lease generator. All mandatory mentions and annexes are automatically included. For more information, consult our guide on residential leases in Belgium.