Noisy works in co-ownership: permitted hours in Belgium
Permitted hours for noisy works in co-ownership in Belgium. Municipal regulations, co-ownership rules, nuisances and remedies.
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Permitted hours for noisy works
The hours for noisy works in Belgium are set by municipal police regulations. There is no uniform national rule.
Common indicative hours
| Day | Permitted hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7 am - 7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am - 12 pm (sometimes 8 am - 5 pm) |
| Sunday | Prohibited |
| Public holidays | Prohibited |
These hours concern works generating noise (drill, jackhammer, grinder). Quiet works (painting, wallpapering) are not subject to these restrictions.
Check your municipality’s regulations as hours vary. For good neighbour rules, see our dedicated guide.
Co-ownership rules
The co-ownership regulations
The co-ownership regulations may impose stricter rules than the municipality:
| Aspect | Typical rule |
|---|---|
| Hours | More restrictive (e.g. 8 am - 6 pm on weekdays) |
| Notification | Inform the building manager and neighbours before works |
| Protection | Protect common areas (corridors, lift) |
| Duration | Limit the total duration of works |
| Contractor | Provide the contractor’s details |
Prior authorisation
Certain works in a co-ownership require authorisation:
- Works affecting common areas: vote at the general assembly
- Works altering the external appearance: vote + planning permit
- Works in private lots: notification to the building manager
Obligations of the parties
For the tenant carrying out works
- Obtain written consent from the landlord for non-tenant repairs
- Comply with municipal hours and co-ownership regulations
- Inform neighbours in advance
- Protect common areas
- Clean up after works
For the landlord
- Inform the tenant of the co-ownership rules
- Obtain the necessary authorisations for major works
- Notify the tenant of works in the building
- Provide reasonable access for necessary works
For the contractor
- Comply with imposed hours
- Protect common spaces (tarpaulins, protections)
- Remove construction waste
- Limit nuisance to the strict minimum
Remedies in case of nuisance
Recommended steps
- Amicable discussion with the neighbour or contractor
- Report to the building manager of the co-ownership
- Registered letter requesting compliance with the rules
- Complaint to the municipal police in case of non-compliance with hours
- Referral to the justice of the peace for abnormal neighbourhood disturbance
Evidence to gather
- Nuisance log (dates, times, duration, intensity)
- Written testimonies from neighbours
- Photos or videos of the works
- Police reports if called
- Bailiff report (150-300 EUR)
For questions about repairs and maintenance in a rented dwelling, see our guides on works in a rental and rental disputes.