Since 1 January 2018, the Brussels-Capital Region has its own Brussels Housing Code. This code governs primary residence leases and introduces specificities compared to federal law:

  • Indicative rent grid: the landlord must communicate the reference rent.
  • Rental deposit: 2 months maximum (3 months via bank guarantee).
  • Mandatory annexes: property inspection report, EPC certificate, household composition information.
  • Quality standards: the property must meet minimum safety, health, and equipment requirements.

For all lease templates: lease agreement templates.

Primary residence lease in Brussels

The primary residence lease is the most common contract. Default duration of 9 years, terminable with notice. The tenant benefits from enhanced protections under the Brussels Code.

Brussels specificities:

  • Mandatory annexes: entry inspection, EPC certificate, indicative grid.
  • Indexation: health index, written notification required.
  • Termination by landlord: only for legal reasons (personal occupation, works, serious grounds).

Full guide: primary residence lease Brussels.

Commercial lease in Brussels

The commercial lease remains governed by the federal law of 30 April 1951. Minimum duration of 9 years, renewable 3 times. The commercial tenant has the right to renewal.

In Brussels, the specificities are:

  • Strict urban planning: environmental permit sometimes required.
  • Variable municipal commercial tax.
  • No rent grid (free market).

Full guide: commercial lease Brussels.

Student lease in Brussels

The Brussels student lease is governed by the Housing Code. Maximum duration of 12 months, renewable. The student tenant can terminate early with 2 months’ notice.

Specificities:

  • Proof of student status required (enrolment certificate).
  • Simplified early termination for the student.
  • Rental deposit: same rules as standard lease (2-3 months).

Full guide: student lease Brussels.

Shared housing lease in Brussels

Since the Brussels Housing Code, shared housing has a specific legal framework:

  • Co-living pact mandatory between co-tenants.
  • Joint liability clause: co-tenants are jointly liable for rent, unless agreed otherwise.
  • Replacement of a co-tenant: simplified procedure via addendum.

Full guide: shared housing lease Brussels.

Short-term lease in Brussels

The short-term lease in Brussels lasts a maximum of 3 years. It cannot be extended beyond this limit (automatic conversion to a 9-year lease).

Specificities:

  • Maximum duration: 3 years (extensions included).
  • Early termination by tenant: 3 months’ notice at any time.
  • No early termination possible by the landlord.

Full guide: short-term lease Brussels.

Rental deposit in Brussels

In Brussels, the rental deposit follows these rules:

  • Individual blocked account: 2 months’ rent maximum, in the tenant’s name.
  • Bank guarantee: 3 months maximum, the bank advances the amount.
  • CPAS/OCMW: social services can guarantee for low-income tenants.

The deposit must be constituted before moving in. The landlord cannot require cash payment.

Lease registration in Brussels

Registration is mandatory and free for a primary residence lease. The landlord must register within 2 months of signing.

Procedure: via MyRent on myminfin.be. For all templates: lease agreement templates.

To create a compliant lease in Brussels: create a lease online.

Frequently asked questions

Standard lease duration?

9 years by default. Short-term possible (max 3 years) if agreed in writing.

Deposit: 2 or 3 months?

2 months on a blocked account. 3 months with bank guarantee.

Does the Brussels Code apply to all leases?

To primary residence leases since 2018. Commercial leases remain federal.

Indicative rent grid?

Yes, the landlord must communicate the reference rent to the tenant.

How to register?

Via MyRent on myminfin.be. Free and mandatory within 2 months.