Flooring in a rental property: who pays in Belgium
Flooring replacement and repair in a rental property in Belgium. Allocation between landlord and tenant, wear and damage.
Sommaire · 4 sections Reduire ▴
- 01 Cost allocation
- 02 By floor type
- 03 Wear and deduction
- 04 Tips
Cost allocation
| Intervention | Landlord | Tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement due to wear and tear | X | |
| Replacement following abnormal deterioration | X (with deduction) | |
| Minor repair (parquet, slat) | X | |
| Cleaning and routine maintenance | X | |
| Parquet treatment (oiling, varnishing) | X (periodic) | X (routine) |
The principle is identical to other repairs: the landlord bears wear and tear and the tenant bears abnormal deterioration. The property inventory is the reference.
By floor type
| Floor type | Lifespan | Tenant maintenance | Landlord replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles | 30-50 years | Cleaning, grouting | Replacement (wear) |
| Solid parquet | 25-40 years | Waxing, cleaning | Sanding, varnishing |
| Laminate parquet | 10-20 years | Cleaning | Replacement (wear) |
| Vinyl/lino | 10-15 years | Cleaning | Replacement (wear) |
| Carpet | 7-12 years | Vacuuming, shampooing | Replacement (wear) |
Tiles and solid parquet have the longest lifespan. However, they are more expensive to replace.
For the general allocation, see our guide on major works vs minor repairs.
Wear and deduction
Deduction principle
The landlord cannot demand a new floor if the existing floor already had wear. The deduction from the rental deposit is reduced proportionally.
Example
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Laminate floor aged 8 years at entry | 8/15 = 53% wear |
| Lease duration | 5 years |
| Total age of the floor | 13/15 = 87% wear |
| Replacement cost | 2,000 EUR |
| Maximum tenant charge (if abnormal deterioration) | 260 EUR (13%) |
Normal wear not chargeable
- Wear in traffic areas (hallway, entrance)
- Discolouration due to sunlight
- Light furniture marks (chair legs)
- Superficial scratches in traffic areas
Practical tips
For the tenant
- Use pads under heavy furniture
- Place a rug in high-traffic areas
- Clean floors regularly according to type (no water on parquet)
- Report any damage to the landlord promptly
For the landlord
- Note the type and age of the floor in the entry property inventory
- Take detailed photos of the floor at entry
- Apply the wear and tear deduction at the end of the lease
- Choose durable materials for rental
See our guides on works in a rental and the landlord’s obligations.