Since November 2024, new regulations have come into force for rental contracts in Brussels. These rules offer greater protection to tenants and impose additional obligations on property owners. We’ve listed the main changes and explain what they mean for you as a landlord.
Starting 1 November, Brussels landlords renting out properties under short-term leases (less than three years) will no longer be allowed to raise the rent between two tenants, except for the legal indexation. This measure, laid out in the "rental contract ordinance", applies whether the contract ends or is terminated, and it affects all short-term leases. The goal is to prevent short-term contract rents from increasing faster than those of long-term contracts, which may only be indexed. Transparency about the previous contract and rental price helps tenants make fair comparisons.
To ensure compliance with the ban on rent increases, the landlord must include specific details in the lease, such as the type of the previous contract, the rent paid by the last tenant, the living area of the property, and the amount and date of the last rent payment (for short-term leases).
Tenants are now legally required to take out fire insurance. This gives landlords more security in the event of fire or water damage, as they are no longer solely liable for the costs.
Any costs charged to the tenant must reflect actual expenses, unless the lease explicitly states they are flat-rate charges. The rental contract must include a detailed list of all costs the tenant is responsible for. Mistakes in settlement statements can be corrected up to two years after the fact, by either party. The consumption on which the charges are based may go back up to five years.
A landlord may no longer include a general clause banning pets in the lease. However, certain conditions may be imposed, such as avoiding nuisance or limiting the number of animals. This gives tenants more freedom while setting clear rules to prevent conflicts.
If a property is declared uninhabitable, the landlord may no longer rent it out. In addition to possible fines, a judge may order the landlord to pay for the tenant's moving costs to a new home. If the rent for the new home is higher, the landlord may also be required to cover the rent difference for up to 18 months.
These new Brussels rental rules can make things more complex for both landlords and tenants. No worries — we’re here to help. Whether you're looking to rent out a property or invest in real estate, our experts will ensure your rental contracts are handled correctly and offer strategic advice. Are you a tenant with questions about your rights? Or a landlord wanting to ensure your contracts are legally sound? Get in touch with us for more information.