Short-term lease Brussels 2026: Brussels Housing Code, 3-month deposit

Duration and renewal

The duration may not exceed 3 cumulative years, including the initial term, renewals and addenda. Beyond that, the lease is automatically reclassified as a 9-year primary residence lease.

For a renewable lease, each extension must be formalised through a written addendum. A tacit agreement beyond 3 years triggers reclassification.

Security deposit in Brussels

The security deposit for a short-term lease follows standard Brussels rules:

• Maximum 3 months’ rent (compared to 2 in Wallonia).
• Blocked account in the tenant’s name.
• Interest accrues to the tenant’s benefit.
• Refund within 2 months after the exit inventory.

Any clause requiring more than 3 months is void.

Notice period and termination

By the tenant

• 3-month notice period at any time by registered letter.
• Indemnity: 1 month’s rent during the first year, nothing thereafter.

By the landlord

The landlord may only terminate unilaterally for personal occupation or major works. 6-month notice period by registered letter.

Termination by mutual agreement

Written agreement between the parties at any time. This is the simplest approach.

Types of short-term leases in Brussels

Several types are common in the capital:

• Student lease: aligned with the academic year (10-12 months), high demand near ULB, VUB.
• Pop-up lease: temporary shops in storefronts (1-12 months).
• Expat lease: short European assignments (European quarter).
• Transitional lease: between two homes.
• Seasonal lease: summer rentals or short assignments.

The type chosen depends on the project, always within the 3-year cumulative limit. A property rented on a short-term basis must be clearly identified as such to avoid reclassification.

Bilingualism FR / NL

As Brussels is officially bilingual, the lease may be drafted in French or Dutch, or both. Short-term leases in Brussels benefit from this flexibility thanks to the international student population and European expats.

The 19 municipalities and the short-term market

Each municipality has its own profile:

• Ixelles, Saint-Gilles: very high student demand (ULB).
• Etterbeek, Woluwe: European expats (European quarter, NATO).
• City of Brussels: pop-up commercial, tourist rentals.
• Uccle: premium transitional residential leases.
• Schaerbeek, Anderlecht: affordable short-term segment in development.

Rent indexation

For a lease exceeding 12 months, annual indexation applies on the anniversary date based on the health index. Brussels EPC caps limit indexation of poorly performing properties (classes E, F, G).

See: rent indexation.

Lease registration

Every short-term lease in Brussels must be registered with the FPS Finance within 2 months. Free of charge via MyRent. Without registration, the tenant may leave without notice or indemnity. Each extension addendum must also be registered.

Brussels vs Wallonia

The underlying rules are similar. The deposit and language are the main differences. See the Brussels contracts hub for all lease types.