Accommodation in Belgium

When looking for accommodation in Belgium, expats will find plenty of reasonably priced, comfortable options. Whether it be furnished or unfurnished or freestanding houses to luxury apartments, all types of housing are available in Belgium. 

Types of accommodation in Belgium

The standard of accommodation in Belgium is typical of Western Europe, with small but comfortable houses being the most common. Most homes have heating systems. Moving outside the city limits will often grant expats access to larger properties and some beautiful country views. 

Within the city, there is also a plethora of outdoor areas, such as parks, swimming pools, tennis clubs and children's gyms. In terms of community and parks, Belgium is a very family-friendly country.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most properties in Belgium come unfurnished. Expats should check with the landlord or agent about what condition the property will be in. In some cases, 'unfurnished' may simply mean that there are no soft furnishings, but it could also mean that there are no fixtures such as light fittings, carpets or basic electrical appliances, including kitchen appliances.

Short lets

For those looking for temporary or short-term accommodation in Belgium, serviced apartments and short-term rental properties are readily available, especially in the major cities. These furnished apartments come with a higher price tag than long-term lets but are cheaper than hotel, making them an ideal solution for expats in the country for a short duration or those still looking for a permanent home. They often include utilities, internet and sometimes cleaning services.

Useful links

• Booking.com
• Airbnb

Finding accommodation in Belgium

It should not be difficult for expats to find and secure accommodation in Belgium. Several online resources can be used to research the property market before arriving in the country, but expats should always see a place in person before signing a lease.

Real estate agencies in Belgium offer a hassle-free way of finding accommodation and will usually handle all the administrative processes. The landlord is responsible for paying for a real estate agent's fees.

Useful links

• Immoweb
• Realo
• Vlan

Renting accommodation in Belgium

There are strict laws around real estate in Belgium that aim to protect tenants as well as landlords. To receive the complete protection of the law, expats are advised to follow all the proper processes. These can be reviewed on the government's official information and services website.

Leases and early termination

A typical Belgian residential lease is for nine years, known as a 'long-term lease'. A tenant can break the lease with three months' notice at any time. If the tenant breaks the lease in the first, second or third year, they will have to pay a penalty of one, two or three months' rent, respectively. Breaking the lease early after three years incurs no penalty. This lease type is often called a '3-6-9 lease' because the lease and its components can be revisited every three years.

There are also shorter-term leases available for three years rather than nine. During a three-year lease, it is impossible to break it before the term's completion. This means that tenants are responsible for paying the rent for the entire duration of the contract, regardless of the circumstances.

For a lease shorter than three years, if the tenant wishes to leave before the end of the contract, they are usually required to give three months' notice and may be subject to a penalty.

To avoid any disputes, it's advisable to keep the property in good condition throughout the lease and to fix any damages promptly.

References and background checks

Before a rental agreement in Belgium can be finalised, expats will have to provide proof of identity, employment, and residency status. Applicants may be asked for references, which can be challenging when renting for the first time in a new country, but in some cases, the expat's employer may be able to act as a reference.

Deposits

Deposits in Belgium are up to two or three months of rent. This should be kept in a separate account and returned once the lease has ended. The landlord or agent will do an exit inspection, and if there are any damages to the property, the repair cost will be taken from the deposit.

Utilities in Belgium

In the context of renting in Belgium, tenants are typically responsible for their utility costs. This includes but is not limited to water, electricity, gas, and waste removal expenses. The cost of utilities can differ based on the area of residence, the type of housing and individual consumption.

Electricity and gas

Electricity and gas in Belgium are often supplied by the same company, with a few key providers including Engie and Lampiris. Providers offer various plans and pricing options, so it's advisable to compare deals to find the most suitable one. 

It's also important to note that Belgium uses Type E electrical outlets, so expats may need to acquire appropriate adaptors for their devices.

Water

Water is typically provided by local companies in each region, such as Pidpa and De Watergroep. Bills are usually issued quarterly and water may be metered, meaning charges are based on consumption. In some cases, water costs might be included in the rent, so it's worth confirming this with the landlord or rental agency.

Waste and recycling

Waste removal in Belgium is organised by local municipalities. They provide separate bins for general waste, organic waste and recyclables. It's crucial to adhere to the local waste disposal guidelines to avoid potential fines. The frequency of collections varies, but it's typically weekly or fortnightly.

Internet and phone

Furthermore, expats will need to consider expenses for internet and phone services. Various providers offer these services, with packages tailored to individual needs. 

For more detailed information, read up on Keeping in Touch in Belgium.

Useful links

• Gas and electric: Engie and Lampiris
• Water: Pidpa and De Watergroep