12-month standard: the norm for student leases

The student lease in Belgium is a fixed-term contract, generally set at 12 months to cover a full academic year. This 12-month maximum is enshrined in regional legislation.

In practice, two formats predominate:

  • 12 months (September to September): the student keeps the accommodation over the summer, useful for exam sessions and revision periods.
  • 10 months (September to June): the student vacates the room in summer, allowing the landlord to relet for the summer period.

The lease must contain an explicit designation as a student lease. Without this mention, the contract could be reclassified as a standard primary residence lease (9 years), with significant consequences for termination conditions.

The student must provide proof of enrolment at a higher education institution, to be annexed to the contract.

Rules by region

Each Belgian region governs the student lease under its own legislation:

Brussels (2018 Ordinance):

  • Maximum duration: 12 months
  • Tacit renewal for the same duration if neither party gives notice
  • The lease must state the student status
  • Rental guarantee: 2 months (3 months if bank guarantee)

Wallonia (2018 Decree):

  • Maximum duration: 12 months
  • Tacit renewal on the same terms
  • Proof of enrolment mandatory as an annex
  • Rental guarantee: 2 months (3 months if bank guarantee)

Flanders (Woninghuurdecreet 2019):

  • Maximum duration: 12 months
  • No automatic tacit renewal
  • The student must actively renew the lease each year
  • Rental guarantee: 3 months maximum

In all three regions, the student lease is a binding contract for the landlord: they cannot end it before the expiry date, except in cases of serious fault by the tenant.

Student lease renewal

Renewal depends on the region and the wishes of the parties:

Tacit renewal (Brussels and Wallonia): if neither party gives notice before the expiry date, the lease renews automatically for the same duration on the same terms. To prevent renewal, the landlord or student must send a notice by registered letter at least 3 months before the end of the lease.

Explicit renewal (Flanders): the lease ends at the expiry date. If the student wishes to stay, a new lease must be signed. The landlord is not obliged to renew.

New lease or addendum: in all cases, the parties may sign a new lease or an addendum modifying the terms (rent, duration). The addendum must be registered with the FPS Finance via MyRent.

For the conditions of early termination, see our dedicated guide.

Practical tips

For students:

  • Sign early: the best rooms are taken from spring for the September intake.
  • Check the duration: 10 or 12 months depending on your needs. A 12-month lease offers more security for summer exams.
  • Keep your proof of enrolment: it is the basis for the favourable student lease regime.

For landlords:

  • Explicitly state “student lease” in the contract.
  • Request proof of enrolment each year in case of renewal.
  • Anticipate the end of the lease: contact the student 3 months before expiry to clarify their intentions.

To generate a compliant student lease, use our online lease creator or see the student lease hub.