Rental rights and obligations in Brussels
Specific rights and obligations of tenant and landlord in Brussels. Brussels Housing Code, lease, deposit and regional standards.
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Brussels legal framework
The primary residence lease in Brussels is governed by the Brussels Housing Code (ordinance of 27 July 2017) and the Civil Code. The Brussels rules complement the federal framework.
Reference texts
| Text | Scope |
|---|---|
| Brussels Housing Code | Regional standards |
| Civil Code (Book III, Title VIII) | General lease law |
| Brussels Government Decree | Safety and sanitation standards |
For rules common to all three Regions, see our general guide on rights and obligations.
Landlord obligations in Brussels
Before letting
- Obtain a valid EPC certificate
- Ensure the property complies with standards (electricity, safety)
- Provide mandatory information in the listing (EPC, rent, charges)
At signing
- Draft a compliant written lease
- Carry out an adversarial move-in inventory
- Register the lease within 2 months (free of charge)
- Set up the rental deposit in a blocked account
During the lease
| Obligation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Major repairs | Structure, boiler, pipes |
| Peaceful enjoyment | No intrusion, no nuisance |
| Controlled rent indexation | Compliance with EPC caps |
| Information | Decisions affecting the tenant |
Tenant obligations in Brussels
Payment
- Monthly rent on the agreed date
- Charges (provisions or flat rate)
- Rental deposit: 2 months (blocked account) or 3 months (bank guarantee)
Maintenance
- Minor day-to-day repairs
- Boiler maintenance (every two years for gas)
- Compliance with the co-ownership rules
- Occupying the property as a responsible tenant
End of lease
- 3-month notice period (registered letter)
- Participation in the move-out inventory
- Return the property in good condition (normal wear and tear excluded)
Brussels-specific rules
Rental deposit
| Form | Maximum amount |
|---|---|
| Blocked account in the tenant’s name | 2 months’ rent |
| Bank guarantee | 3 months’ rent |
| PCSW guarantee | 3 months’ rent |
Rent indexation and EPC
Rent indexation in Brussels is linked to the EPC certificate:
- EPC A-B-C: full indexation
- EPC D-E: limited indexation
- EPC F-G: indexation frozen
Brussels student lease
Brussels has specific rules for the student lease, with termination conditions adapted to student life.
Housing aid
Brussels tenants can benefit from a rent allowance and an installation premium. To create a compliant lease, use our lease generator.