Student leases in Wallonia are regulated by the Walloon Decree of 15 March 2018 relating to residential leases (Décret wallon relatif au bail d’habitation). Articles 78 to 84 establish a specific regime for student housing, providing tailored protections that differ from standard residential leases. The decree applies when the tenant is a student enrolled in a recognised educational institution and the property serves as student accommodation. This includes Belgian and international students at universities, hautes écoles, or other approved institutions located in Wallonia. The lease must explicitly identify itself as a student lease (bail étudiant) to benefit from the specific protections. Landlords offering student housing in Wallonia must ensure the property meets regional habitability standards. International students moving to Walloon cities like Louvain-la-Neuve, Namur, Mons, or Liège should verify that their contract specifically references the student lease regime.
A student lease in Wallonia has a maximum duration of 12 months. The lease automatically ends on the agreed date without either party needing to give notice. There is no tacit renewal: if the student wishes to stay another year, a new lease must be signed. This differs from standard residential leases in Wallonia, which have a default 9-year duration and can be tacitly renewed. The 12-month limit aligns with the academic calendar, typically running from mid-September to mid-September or mid-June. If a lease is signed for more than 12 months or if the student remains in the property after the end date without a new agreement, the standard residential lease rules under the same Walloon Decree may apply. The lease must be registered with the FPS Finance within two months of signing, at no cost to the tenant.
The Walloon Decree provides students with specific early termination rights that do not apply to standard tenants. Before the lease begins, the student may withdraw by paying compensation equal to 1 month’s rent. During the lease, the student can terminate with 2 months’ notice in two situations: if they cease or fail to begin their studies (proof of de-enrolment required), or if a parent or guarantor dies. In these cases, no additional compensation is owed beyond the notice period rent. The landlord has no early termination right during the 12-month term. These protections are particularly valuable for international students who may face visa issues, family emergencies, or programme changes. Notice must be given by registered letter, and the 2-month notice period starts on the first day of the month following receipt. The student must return the property in good condition at the end of the notice period.
The rental deposit for a student lease in Wallonia is limited to 2 months’ rent. It must be placed on a blocked bank account in the tenant’s name, where it earns interest for the student. Alternatively, the landlord may accept a bank guarantee. A detailed inventory of fixtures (état des lieux) must be completed at move-in and move-out, either jointly or by an independent expert at shared cost. The lease must specify how charges are handled: either as a flat-rate provision or based on actual costs with annual settlement. The landlord bears structural maintenance and major repairs, while the student handles minor upkeep and small repairs (locative repairs). For international students, setting up a Belgian bank account early is advisable as it is needed for the deposit. Some landlords in Wallonia also accept a guarantee from the CPAS (social welfare centre) or a parental guarantee for students without Belgian banking history.