Landlords almost always require a rental deposit. With this, they pay for certain expenses and any damage to the rental property at the end of the rental period.
How much is the rental deposit?
Since 2019, the rental deposit may be a maximum of 3 months' rent (without costs).
How do you pay the rental deposit?
This can be done in 4 ways ('4 options'). Agree with the landlord which option you choose. Have that option noted in the rental contract. A combination of the 4 options is not possible.
Option 1: You put the rental deposit in an escrow account. This can be done at a bank or through the government's e-DEPO.
Option 2: You deposit the deposit as a 'collateral rental deposit', such as Korfine.
Option 3: You ask for help from the OCMW or the Vlaams Woningfonds.
Option 4: Another person pays the costs linked to your rental contract. This is called a borgstelling. Put in the rental contract the contact information of that person, the guarantor. He or she must co-sign the rental contract.
Can you pay the rental deposit in cash?
No, you may not. Nor can you pay the rental deposit to the landlord's personal account.*
Did you pay or deposit the rental deposit in cash to the landlord? Be sure to ask for a receipt or keep a copy of the bank transfer. Contact us and we will find a solution together.
*Exception: student rentals
How do you get your deposit back?
Is your rental contract coming to an end? Then agree with the landlord how much of the deposit you will get back. You both sign for agreement.
