HOUSING IN BELGIUM: faq

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(Source: Expat Welcome Desk)

As in most other European countries, housing  is either rent or bought. It is important to know the basic rules concerning lease contracts before signing. Remember that you will need to pay a guarantee, make an inventory, and also be aware that rents are often index-linked and are normally increased every year in line with a fixed index.  

If you would like to buy an accommodation, you will need to consult a notary, who will guide you through the procedure. Buying or renting a property will necessitate a contract with a provider of utilities like water or electricity. Also do not forget that sorting your waste as a tenant or owner is mandatory.  

In Belgium, all accommodation is rented on the basis of a written and signed rental contract (also referred to as a lease or tenancy agreement). Be aware that your signature on a rental contract signifies that you accept all its clauses.

Helpful Links:

RENT OR BUY

Xpatris comparative platform

Appartager.be- Flatshare

Immo-particulier.be

Immoweb.be

Vlan.be

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Biv.be

RELOCATION AGENT

Abra-relocation.com

SHORT-TERM

Etr-brussels.be

Visitbrussels.be Hostels

Xpats.com

Bed & Brussels

(Source: Expat Welcome Desk)

 Supply of utilities like gas, electricity, cable, internet, and water implies a contract and/or a formal contact between you as an individual user and the company. Although most supply will be established relatively fast, make sure to prepare well in advance before you arrive or move, to avoid not being served immediately.

Helpful Links:

Xpatris comparative platform - Gas & Electricity

Xpatris comparative platform - Mobile / TV / Internet

Brugel

Proximus

VOO

Base

Telenet

BIPT- Belgian Institute for Postal services and Telecommunications

Orange

(Source: Expat Welcome Desk)

Waste management differs per city and municipality. There are three different colours for rubbish bags (they can be purchased in any supermarket):

• Unsorted waste is to be placed in white bags. This waste is incinerated and converted into steam (energy). 
• Paper and cardboard are to be placed in yellow bags (dry, clean and folded). They can include newspapers, magazines, advertisements, brochures, etc. The contents are recycled.
• Blue bags are used for empty plastic bottles and flasks, metal packaging and drinking cartons. A few practical examples: tinned goods, cans, aluminium bowls, metal lids, milk cartons, etc. The contents are recycled.

Collect days differ from one municipality to another and sometimes from street to street within the same municipality.
 

NOTE: Glass cannot be placed in either of these bags. You have to put your empty bottles in the white and coloured glass containers.
 

Bulky household refuse (old furniture, household appliances, etc.) can be taken to a container park. In addition, some municipalities organise collection days for bulky household refuse in your neighbourhood.