Introduction

A correctly drafted lease agreement is essential to avoid disputes and to comply with legal obligations in Belgium. This Dutch-language template is designed with the main requirements in mind: compliance with the Burgerlijk Wetboek — Nieuw Boek 5 (huurrecht), AVG privacy obligations, and regional housing rules in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.

Important points to check before signing: presence and delivery of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), correct mention and handling of the security deposit, explicit agreements on indexation of the rent (formula and reference index), and all mandatory regional disclosures.

For a comprehensive lease review checklist covering residential and commercial terms, see our Lease Agreement Review Guide.

What is a Belgian (Dutch-language) lease agreement?

A lease agreement for a dwelling in Belgium is a written or oral agreement whereby a landlord undertakes to make a dwelling unit available to a tenant in exchange for rent. Many mandatory rules apply to dwellings in the Burgerlijk Wetboek — Nieuw Boek 5 and additional regional legislation (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia). Written agreements are strongly recommended to ensure evidentiary value and clarity.

Why old templates are dangerous (jurisdiction-specific traps)

• Regional differences: Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia have additional obligations (e.g., specific EPC requirements, grants or registration requirements). An old uniform template may miss those regional disclosures.
• Security deposit amounts and repayment: although there is no national statutory maximum, it is common to ask for 1–3 months; incorrect handling or the absence of a specified deadline and a specified breakdown of deductions often leads to legal claims.
• Indexation: incorrect or insufficiently detailed indexation clauses (no reference index or calculation method) can be unenforceable or cause legal dispute. In Belgium the health index or CPI is often used; specify exactly which index and on which date it is applied.
• Mandatory disclosures: the absence of the EPC, an AVG privacy statement, notices regarding asbestos or environmental hazards can lead to fines or tenant defenses.
• Procedure for non-payment/eviction: outdated clauses suggest immediate termination or incorrect notice periods; in Belgium a judicial procedure is generally required under Boek 5.

What is included in this template

• Basic information: parties, address, inventory, intended use of the leased property.
• Rent and method of payment: date, bank account, proof of payment.
• Security deposit clause: amount (adjustable), manner of safekeeping, repayment period and obligation to provide a detailed settlement.
• Indexation: clear formula and reference index (e.g., health index / health index series) and timing for adjustments.
• Duration and termination: contractual term, renewal, notice periods and specifics for short/renewable rental forms in accordance with Boek 5.
• Maintenance and repairs: obligations of tenant/landlord, periodic inspections.
• Obligations regarding the EPC and other mandatory certificates or attestations (asbestos, pests, environmental) where applicable.
• Privacy clause (AVG) with purpose, retention period and tenant rights.
• Procedure in case of non-payment and clauses on formal notice and legal steps.
• Annexes: inventory list, EPC, any local documents (city/municipality requirements).

Related Lease Agreement Templates

• Switzerland French
• Switzerland German
• Switzerland Italian
• Singapore Chinese
• Canada Quebec

Download options

• Direct download (PDF): complete, print-ready lease agreement — suitable for signing on paper.
• Fillable PDF / DOCX: to easily adapt local elements (regional disclosures, deposit amount, indexation).
• an AI contract review tool-compatible version: upload-ready for automatic contract scan and compliance check.

How to finalize your lease agreement

1. Adapt the template for the region (Flanders / Brussels / Wallonia). Check local government pages for required attachments.
2. Fill in the deposit amounts and method of payment and set a reasonable period for return (usually 1–3 months after the final inventory).
3. Specify the indexation formula and state the exact reference index and date of calculation.
4. Add annexes: EPC, inventory, any asbestos or environmental declarations.
5. Have the parties sign the contract (recommended in duplicate) and keep proof of delivery (phone call, e-mail, receipt).
6. Upload the final document to an AI contract review tool for a security scan and, if necessary, have a local lawyer review the contract.

Practical tips

• Ensure that the privacy clause in accordance with the AVG clearly states who processes data and why; process only necessary personal data.
• Use a clear inventory list and photo evidence at handover to limit disputes over damage.
• Use a bank transfer with a clear payment reference as the preferred method for rent payments.

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