Tenant repairs: complete list for Belgium
Complete list of tenant repairs in Belgium. Routine maintenance, minor repairs and distinction from major repairs.
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The principle of tenant repairs
Tenant repairs are the minor maintenance repairs that the tenant must carry out at their own expense throughout the duration of the lease. They derive from article 1754 of the Belgian Civil Code.
Classification criteria
| Criterion | Tenant repair | Major repair |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally < 200 EUR | Generally > 500 EUR |
| Frequency | Regular | One-off |
| Nature | Routine maintenance | Structure, equipment |
| Cause | Normal use | Wear and tear, defect |
For the detailed distinction, see our guide on major works vs minor repairs.
List by category
Plumbing and sanitary
- Tap and shower seals
- Shower hose
- Tap aerators
- Unclogging accessible drains
- Traps and plugs
- Toilet seat
- Cistern float
Electricity
- Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
- Switches and sockets (like-for-like replacement)
- Fuses
- Smoke detector batteries
Heating and hot water
- Annual boiler maintenance
- Boiler filters
- Water heater descaling
- Radiator bleeding
- Thermostat (batteries)
Joinery
- Window seals
- Hardware (handles, simple locks)
- Interior painting of wooden frames
- Hinge lubrication
Walls, floors and ceilings
- Plug holes (filling)
- Interior painting (if abnormal deterioration)
- Floor covering cleaning
- Minor parquet repair
Outdoor and garden
- Lawn mowing and hedge trimming
- Weeding
- Pavement snow clearing
- Cleaning accessible gutters
What is NOT the tenant’s responsibility
Major repairs (landlord)
- Roof and framework
- Load-bearing walls and facades
- Complete electrical installation
- Built-in pipes
- Boiler, water heater replacement
- Window frames
- External doors
- Floor coverings (wear and tear)
Wear and tear
Normal wear due to time is never the tenant’s responsibility:
- Paint discolouration
- Parquet wear in traffic areas
- Bathroom sealant yellowing
- Covering ageing
For the landlord’s obligations, see our guide on the landlord’s obligations.
Practical tips
For the tenant
- Carry out tenant repairs quickly to prevent worsening
- Keep maintenance invoices (boiler, descaling)
- Report serious problems to the landlord in writing
- Take photos before and after repair
For the landlord
- List tenant repairs in the lease
- Provide the tenant with contact details of approved suppliers
- Carry out a detailed property inventory at entry and exit
- Apply the wear and tear deduction in your end-of-lease claims
In case of disagreement, see our guide on rental disputes and the rental deposit.