Brussels legal framework for property inventories
In Brussels, the property inventory is governed by Articles 1730-1731 of the Belgian Civil Code and the Brussels Housing Code (Ordinance of 27 July 2017). The inventory is mandatory for all primary residence leases. It must be adversarial (both parties present) and completed within the first month of occupation.
Failure to comply triggers a legal presumption that the tenant received the property in good condition — a significant risk when it comes to any damage found at the end of the lease.
For the general framework: property inventory guide.
Brussels-specific features
Bilingual context (FR/NL)
Brussels is officially bilingual. A lease may be drafted in French, Dutch, or both. The property inventory follows the language of the lease — and in practice, bilingual inventories are common for mixed-language tenancies.
International rental market and expats
As the capital of the EU, Brussels has a large international tenant base — European civil servants, diplomats, NGO workers. Property inventories are frequently drafted in three languages (FR/NL/EN). English-only versions are legally valid if both parties agree, though a bilingual version is recommended.
Diverse housing stock
Brussels features a wide variety of property types — period townhouses, converted lofts, modern apartments, co-living spaces. Each type requires a tailored property inventory that accounts for specific architectural features and equipment.
Brussels property inventory template
A Brussels-adapted template must include: identification of both parties, room-by-room description (entrance, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms), utility meter readings, annexed photographs, adversarial signatures, and a bilingual version if needed.
Our template library includes a Brussels-specific version compliant with regional rules. The document also serves as evidence in case of dispute before the Justice of the Peace.
Download a property inventory template (bilingual Brussels versions included).
Expert property inventory in Brussels
Hiring an expert is particularly common in Brussels due to high-value properties and significant financial stakes. A property inventory expert in Brussels provides neutrality, technical rigour (architects, certified surveyors) and enhanced evidential value before the Justice of the Peace.
See property inventory expert guide.
Expert prices in Brussels 2026
| Property type | Price range (Brussels) |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 180 EUR — 280 EUR |
| 2-3 bedroom apartment | 280 EUR — 450 EUR |
| House | 450 EUR — 900 EUR |
| Luxury / atypical property | 700 EUR — 1,400 EUR |
Costs are typically shared 50/50 between landlord and tenant when a single expert is jointly appointed. Prices include 21% VAT. PDF report delivered within 5-10 working days.
Procedure in Brussels: move-in and move-out
The property inventory procedure in Brussels follows the national two-step logic:
Move-in inventory
Conducted at key handover or within the first month. This document forms the baseline for any rental deposit return. See move-in property inventory.
Move-out inventory
Conducted at the end of the lease to record the final condition and produce a comparative report. See move-out property inventory.
Both steps are essential to avoid disputes. See also rental deposit in Brussels and lease agreement.
Handling disputes in Brussels
If landlord and tenant disagree on the inventory findings, four options are available:
- Amicable discussion — attempt to resolve differences directly.
- Joint expert assessment — appoint a neutral expert together for a contradictory report.
- Mediation — Brussels mediation services (PCSW/OCMW, tenant associations) offer free or low-cost assistance.
- Justice of the Peace — Brussels has 10 justices of peace. Proceedings are free for claims under 5,000 EUR.
In all cases, a well-documented move-in inventory is the strongest evidence. See also simplified property inventory and online property inventory.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bilingual inventory mandatory in Brussels?
Not by law. It depends on the language of the lease and the parties involved. Strongly recommended for international tenancies.
Which Justice of the Peace handles my case?
The one covering the canton where the property is located. Brussels has 10 justices of peace.
How long should I keep the inventory?
For the lease duration plus 5 years minimum. Digital archiving is recommended.
Can I get an urgent expert appointment?
Yes, some Brussels firms offer 48-72 hour turnaround with a surcharge.
Is the template compliant with the Brussels Housing Code?
Yes, adapted to regional requirements. Professional review is recommended for specific situations.