Renting in Brussels, Belgium

Hi Jeff-

In Belgium, rental leases are assumed to be lengthy (as much as 9 years, though you're only financiall obligated to pay for three), but you can nonetheless find a holiday let for the three month period you're looking for. It will be more expensive to do a short-term lease, though you can pay by the day, the week and the month in those cases.

I assume you'll be looking for funished accommodation in Brussels if you're only coming for such a short period.

Consult Immoweb.be for listings, and have a look at the Expat Arrivals renting property in Brussels page to learn more about the subject.

Hey Jeff, Not sure if you are still looking for a place but I am renting my place for a couple of months (plan was from 1 september to 31 december). Fully furnished, central (Brussels center, Brouckère). Contact me at joerihamvas(a)gmail(.)com for more info if you want! Joeri

There are also a few companies who specialise in short term lets for business people. The biggest one is Brussels Business Flats Rates for shorter lets are higher than for a normal residential one, but furniture, bills, insurance, tv, internet etc are usually included. It's definitely a lower hassle way to do things if you are here only for a few months. David www.brussels-blog.co.uk

A note of caution to Jeff and anybody else who is renting in Brussels. This is based on my own bad experiences, and that of many colleagues who I have worked with over the years and have rented in Brussels. I have rented 3 times in Brussels and have had hassel every time single when quitting the property. One time at the expense of a deposit of over 2,000 euros. The laws are most definitely on the side of the landlord and the banks are very good at supporting this situation when it comes to witholding your deposit. It seems that landlords (or agents acting on their behalf) will systematically try to keep back some or all of your deposit using any excuse to do this. The landlord has the upper hand as he has to sign the release document issued by the bank holding the bond. If you don't pay up then the relese document will not be signed and (to my knowledge) you have no form of independent arbitration. Things to look out for: - Read carefully the contract and don't be afraid to ask for a copy in you own langauge or have it translated - Some contracts have to be expressly cancelled before a specified period otherwise they will automatically be renewed, and you will have to pay the extra month's rental - Claims that marks or damage which already existed when you rented the appartment was done by you. - Claims that junk which was there when you took possession of the property was left by you. So I strongly advise you to, take photographs of everything. Especially any mark, damage, spot, stain, breakage, even if acknowledged by the landlord / agent at the time of signing the contract. Some landlords / agencies use an independent company to check the appartment before and after the tenancy. They can be of variable quality. Check carefully their report and make sure they have included all the little things that can easily be missed. If you can, go for a good BnB it can save a lot of the hassel.

I have a furnished appartment 1 room, living room, kitchen, bathroom to rent for 2 or 3 months starting from June, July, August, .. situated in etterbek in Brussels city close to the vub and ulb universities and european institutions. price 550 euro for any information contact: fd_2999@yahoo.com