Thanks to the internet, it is easy for anyone to book a house or apartment in Belgium. Moving to Brussels can lead to a wonderful experience. Even so, to take full advantage, finding the right place to live is important. For every one of the 19 languages, we have made sure to add a guide for it. Here, you will find everything you should know about Belgian housing.
Selecting the ideal place
Every area in Belgium speaks its language and has its own culture. People in Brussels use both French and Dutch, and the city is where many international institutions can be found, in addition to a large number of expats.
Flanders: The area in the north that includes the cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven.
The French-speaking region of Wallonia is located in the south and includes Liège, Namur and Mons.
Eupen and Sankt Vith are located in the German-speaking Community in the east.
When selecting a place to live, review the distance from your home to your job or school, what language is spoken there and what facilities are nearby.
Understanding the rental process and what you need to follow
Before looking for a rental in Belgium, you should understand the common processes and laws. Typically, a rental agreement lasts nine years, but it can be shorter, for example, three years. Include in the contract the number of years for the agreement, the rent and who will handle each responsibility.
Landlords generally require an amount equal to two or three months’ rent, which is held securely in a bank account.
Inventory report: A first report (état des lieux) is done to list the state of the property, as this helps you get your deposit back.
Registration: It is usually the landlord who must register a tenancy agreement with the local authorities.
Utilities: It’s up to tenants to arrange for and cover services such as electricity, water and the internet.
Suggestions for an easy housing search
Search for a moving company ahead of time, since it is busiest during the summer months.
View the property: As often as you are able, go to the property to see its state and its setting.
Before you sign the lease, make sure you understand all its details and are not afraid to ask about anything you do not understand.
If something looks like it’s too good to be true, beware and never pay until you make sure the offer is valid.
Enlist the help of a professional: If you don’t know the local language or how to rent a place, use a relocation agent or legal advisor.
Signing a contract with your landlord
It is necessary to keep a few things in mind before you sign any rental agreement.
essential elements. You can also deliver the rental agreement you have written to the other party.
Length of the lease
Three types of rental contracts are available in the Brussels Region for your primary home.
residence (note that different regulations apply in the Flemish region and
Wallonia).
Long lease (9 years): this ends after 9 years, on condition that one of the contracting parties has informed the other at least 6 months ahead of the deadline
date.
Can the agreement be closed early
As a tenant (renter), you may terminate your lease earlier whenever you wish, at least by giving 3 months’ notice. You will have to repay the company if you decide to leave.
During the first 3 years (3 months’ rent if you leave during the 1st year, 2
The schedule is: months in the 2nd year and 1 month in the 3rd year. This is an example of a lease. For this reason, it is not suggested that your stay will be brief
Short lease (6 months to 3 years): This is terminated by notice from the tenant
At least 3 months before the lease expires, the landlord should be notified by the tenant.
contract. But be careful! If the notice is not given by the due date, the lease will be in effect.
automatically transformed into a 9-year lease retroactively!
Is there a possibility to cancel the insurance early
Whenever the tenant decides, the agreement can be terminated early.
You should notify the landlord 3 months in advance and pay a rent compensation of one month. Sometimes, all parties involved can agree to extend the contract.
With at least 3 months remaining on the contract.
The time limit is not longer than 3 years. Very short lease (less than 6 months): This ends automatically. Be aware when the lease period detailed in the contract is set to end.
Is it allowed to end an agreement earlier
It is not possible to end the contract before the agreement ends. Everyone agreed on the matter. At any stage, the parties may agree to extend the contract as long as all terms are met. The process lasts no more than 3 years. If you use these resources and tips, you will have confidence in finding a place to live in Belgium.
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