Renting in Brussels: new guidelines for registration of the rent contract starting 1 January 2025

1. What does the new registration entail?

The new system, managed by the Regional Service for Rent Contract Registration, requires landlords to submit several documents and provide specific data. These include:

1.1 Documents to be registered:

• The signed rent contract,
  
• Any annexes to the contract,
  
• The initial inventory of fixtures.

1.2 Data to be provided:

At registration, landlords must also input metadata regarding the rent contract, including:

• Identity of the landlord: Name, date of birth, address, and email address. If the landlord is a legal entity, the company registration number must also be provided.
  
• Identity of the tenant: Name, date of birth, address, and email address.
  
• Identification of the rented property:
  • Type of property (e.g., apartment, studio, house),
  • Address and cadastral parcel (if applicable),
  • Living area, number of bedrooms, year of construction, and a description of living spaces and outbuildings.
    
• Comfort and facilities: Availability of individual or collective utility meters, and the property’s energy performance (including the certificate number).
  
• Key elements of the rent contract:
  • Type of rent (primary residence, student housing, etc.),
  • Rent amount and payment frequency,
  • Start and end dates of the contract,
  • Any additional charges (fixed or advance payments).

This comprehensive data registration is intended to provide legal certainty to both parties while also supporting regional policy initiatives, such as rental market transparency and combating vacancy.

2. What changes for landlords?

2.1 Responsibility for registration

It remains the landlord his responsibility to register the rent contract within two months of signing. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant may undertake the registration. While this is not new, landlords in Brussels must ensure they register through the correct platform. As mentioned, the federal registration via MyRent remains in effect.

2.2 Free-of-charge registration

The new Brussels registration system is free-of-charge.

2.3. No fines, but sanctions

While late registration no longer incurs financial penalties, civil consequences may arise, such as the loss of the right to adjust the rent for inflation or to invoke certain denunciation clauses.

2.4 Digital and alternative registration

Registration is primarily conducted electronically through a regional platform. For individuals without digital access, alternatives include registration by mail or in person at a service desk by appointment.

3. Why is this important for landlords?

The registration content is not optional. An incomplete or unregistered contract can cause legal uncertainty and financial repercussions, such as:

• Loss of rent indexation,
  
• Difficulties in resolving disputes or enforcing denunciation clauses.

Additionally, the Brussels registration requires more detailed information than the federal system, including extensive data about the property and its energy certificate. Landlords must be prepared for these new obligations.

4. How can we assist you?

Our legal experts are ready to support landlords in transitioning to the new registration system.

We offer:

• Tailored advice on compliance with the new regulations,
  
• Review and preparation of lease contracts to ensure all mandatory information is correctly included,
  
• Guidance on the registration process, including assistance with the digital platform.

Are you prepared for the new Brussels registration requirements?
Let us help you comply with all obligations, worry-free: info@be.Andersen.com or +32 2 747 40 07.