Water heater descaling: tenant obligation
Water heater descaling in rental properties in Belgium. Tenant obligation, frequency, cost and consequences of neglect.
Tenant’s obligation
Descaling the water heater is one of the tenant repairs borne by the tenant in Belgium. It is routine maintenance necessary for the proper functioning of the appliance.
Principle
| Type of intervention | Paid by |
|---|---|
| Periodic descaling | Tenant |
| Anode replacement | Tenant |
| Safety group cleaning | Tenant |
| Water heater replacement | Landlord |
| Thermostat repair | Landlord |
This principle derives from Belgian common law: the tenant bears minor maintenance repairs. For the complete list, see our guide on tenant repairs.
Frequency and procedure
Recommended frequency
| Water hardness | Descaling frequency |
|---|---|
| Soft water (< 15 degrees F) | Every 4-5 years |
| Medium water (15-25 degrees F) | Every 3-4 years |
| Hard water (25-35 degrees F) | Every 2-3 years |
| Very hard water (> 35 degrees F) | Every 1-2 years |
In Belgium, water is generally hard to very hard (25-45 degrees F depending on the region), especially in Wallonia and Brussels.
Descaling procedure
- Cut the power supply or gas
- Shut off the cold water supply
- Drain the tank
- Remove limescale deposits from the heating element and anode
- Check the anode condition (replace if necessary)
- Reassemble and restart
Cost and allocation
Descaling cost
| Service | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Simple descaling | 100 - 200 EUR |
| Descaling + anode replacement | 150 - 300 EUR |
| Descaling + complete draining | 120 - 250 EUR |
What the landlord pays
The landlord bears:
- Full replacement of the water heater (1,000 - 3,000 EUR)
- Repairs related to a hidden defect or manufacturing fault
- Bringing the installation up to standard
For charge allocation questions, see our guide on rights and obligations.
In case of neglect
Consequences for the tenant
If the tenant neglects descaling:
- Energy overconsumption (up to 20% more)
- Premature water heater breakdown
- If the breakdown is caused by lack of descaling, the tenant bears the repair cost
- Deduction from the rental deposit at the end of the lease
Proving maintenance
Keep descaling invoices for the entire duration of the lease. At the end of the lease, during the exit property inventory, the landlord may request maintenance receipts.
Advice for the landlord
Include a water heater maintenance clause in the lease with the recommended frequency. This clarifies obligations and facilitates proof in case of dispute. See our guide on works in a rental.