When to use this departure notification template

This template allows a co-tenant to formally notify their departure from a shared property to the landlord and the other co-tenants. In Belgium, the rules for a co-tenant’s departure vary depending on the region and whether a co-tenancy pact exists — a document that became mandatory in Brussels since the ordinance of 27 July 2017.

Common situations:

  • Voluntary departure in Brussels (with pact): you give your individual 2-month notice in accordance with the mandatory co-tenancy pact. The lease continues for the other co-tenants; your departure does not end the co-tenancy
  • Departure in Wallonia: in the absence of specific co-tenancy legislation, the notice period follows the rules of the residential lease (3 months). The co-tenancy pact, if it exists, may provide different arrangements
  • Departure in Flanders: the Flemish Housing Rental Decree provides specific rules for co-tenancy. The notice period is in principle 3 months unless a different contractual provision applies
  • Co-tenant replacement: you inform the parties of your departure and propose a solvent replacement candidate. In Brussels, the landlord cannot refuse the replacement without legitimate grounds
  • Joint liability clause: if the lease contains a joint liability clause, the departing co-tenant remains jointly liable for the rent for 6 months after departure (unless otherwise agreed or effective replacement occurs)

The notification must be sent to the landlord by registered mail and to the remaining co-tenants by ordinary mail. See our page on the co-tenancy lease and our guide on termination of a co-tenancy lease.

Document content

The co-tenant departure notification must contain the following elements. The accuracy of this document is essential to protect the departing co-tenant against future claims, especially when a joint liability clause is in place:

  • Identity of the departing co-tenant: surname, first name, date of birth and national register number
  • Identity of the landlord: surname, first name or company name, correspondence address
  • Identity of the other co-tenants: full names of the remaining co-tenants. The letter is sent to them as a copy
  • Property address: full address of the shared property, including floor and unit number
  • Lease reference: date of signing of the co-tenancy lease and registration number
  • Co-tenancy pact reference: date of signing of the pact, if applicable. In Brussels, the pact has been mandatory since the ordinance of 27 July 2017
  • Departure declaration: clear and unambiguous intention to leave the co-tenancy on a specific date
  • Notice period: 2 months in Brussels (with mandatory co-tenancy pact), 3 months in Wallonia and Flanders (unless a different contractual provision applies)
  • Planned departure date: date on which the co-tenant will leave the property and return their keys
  • Replacement proposal: if applicable, name, first name, contact details and proof of solvency of the replacement candidate. In Brussels, the landlord cannot refuse without legitimate grounds
  • Rental deposit: request for the arrangements for returning the departing co-tenant’s share of the rental deposit
  • Joint liability clause: if the lease contains a joint liability clause, specify the remaining duration of joint liability after departure (usually 6 months)

To automatically manage your co-tenancy documents, use the BailBelgium platform.

Template letter

[SURNAME, First name of departing co-tenant] [Address of rented property] [Postcode, Municipality]

[SURNAME, First name of landlord] [Address of landlord] [Postcode, Municipality]

[Place], [date]

Subject: Notification of departure from co-tenancy - [2/3]-month notice period

Registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby notify you of my intention to leave the co-tenancy of the property located at [full address of the property], which I occupy under the co-tenancy lease signed on [date of lease] [and the co-tenancy pact signed on [date of pact]].

In accordance with the applicable legal provisions [and the co-tenancy pact], I am observing a notice period of [2/3] months. This notice period shall begin on the first day of the month following receipt of this registered letter, i.e. [start date of notice period], and shall end on [end date of notice period].

I shall vacate the property no later than this date and return the keys as well as my share of the private spaces in a condition consistent with the entry property inventory.

[If applicable:] I propose the candidacy of Ms/Mr [SURNAME, First name of replacement candidate], [age, occupation], as my replacement. [He/She] is willing to take over my obligations from [date] and can be reached at [phone/email].

I kindly request that you inform me of the arrangements for the return of my share of the rental deposit.

A copy of this letter is sent to my co-tenants.

Yours faithfully,

[Signature] [SURNAME, First name]

Copy: [Names of remaining co-tenants]

How to send

The co-tenant departure notification must be sent to all parties concerned. Formalities are essential to trigger the notice period and protect the departing co-tenant against claims:

  • To the landlord: registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt: mandatory to trigger the notice period. The period runs from the first day of the month following receipt of the registered letter. An eIDAS-compliant electronic registered letter is also valid
  • To co-tenants: copy by ordinary mail or hand delivery: the remaining co-tenants must be informed of the departure. Have them sign an acknowledgement of receipt to protect yourself against future disputes
  • Regional notice period: 2 months in Brussels (with mandatory co-tenancy pact), 3 months in Wallonia and Flanders (unless a different contractual provision applies). The notice period runs from the 1st day of the month following receipt
  • Postal anticipation: send the registered letter at least 7 to 10 days before the end of the month to ensure timely receipt. A registered letter received on the 2nd of the month only triggers the notice period from the 1st of the following month
  • Partial property inventory: request the organisation of a partial exit property inventory covering your private spaces. This inventory protects the departing co-tenant against future claims
  • Record keeping: keep the sending receipt, acknowledgement of receipt and copy of the letter for at least 2 years after your departure (duration of potential joint liability)

Send your registered letter online directly from the BailBelgium platform.

Frequently asked questions