2-month notice for students
The student lease offers more flexible termination conditions than standard leases, adapted to the reality of academic life:
- Notice: 2 months (all regions)
- No specific reason required (in principle)
- By registered letter
- Takes effect on the 1st of the month following receipt
Common situations:
- End of studies or change of institution
- Failure at entrance exams
- Erasmus exchange or internship abroad
- Financial reasons
The student remains liable for rent during the notice period, even if they have already left the room. The landlord may however relet the property immediately if a new tenant is found.
Termination before the start of the lease
Special case: the student signs a lease in June for a room starting in September, but their plans change.
In Brussels (2018 Ordinance):
- Termination possible before the lease starts
- Notice: 2 months
- No compensation
- Accepted reasons: non-enrolment, change of institution, withdrawal
In Wallonia (2018 Decree):
- Termination possible 1 month before the start
- Compensation: 1 month’s rent if termination is late
- No compensation if enrolment was not obtained
In Flanders (Woninghuurdecreet 2019):
- Termination possible before the start
- Compensation: 3 months’ rent (unless the landlord can relet quickly)
Advice for students: wait for definitive confirmation of your enrolment before signing a lease, especially in Flanders where compensation is high.
Comparison by region
| Aspect | Brussels | Wallonia | Flanders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice during lease | 2 months | 2 months | 2 months |
| Compensation during lease | None | None | Possible (if lease provides) |
| Termination before start | Yes (2 months’ notice) | Yes (1 month before) | Yes (3 months’ compensation) |
| Maximum lease duration | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Renewal | Tacit (same duration) | Tacit | Not automatic |
| Subletting | Prohibited (unless agreed) | Prohibited (unless agreed) | Possible (regulated) |
Termination at end of studies: In all 3 regions, a student who finishes their studies may choose not to renew the lease. Since the student lease has a fixed term (maximum 12 months), it ends automatically at the expiry date without any notice being required.
Landlord’s rights: very limited
The landlord of a student room has very limited termination options:
The lease is binding: the landlord CANNOT terminate early
Exceptions:
- Serious student fault (judicial termination)
- Persistent non-payment (formal notice followed by justice of the peace)
- Significant damage to the property
At the end of the lease:
- The lease ends automatically at the expiry date
- No notice required (except to manage tacit renewal)
- To avoid tacit renewal: inform the student 3 months before expiry
Advice for landlords: include a non-automatic renewal clause in the lease. This lets you choose your tenant each year without having to send a notice.