Read the rental contract carefully and make sure you understand what it says. Only then sign it.
Pay attention to:
- Who are the parties to the rental contract, the 'contracting parties'? For example, owner, tenant, landlord ...
- What is the duration of the rental contract?
- How much is the rent per month?
- Do you have to pay additional costs? If so, do you pay an advance or a fixed amount? And is this for common costs, such as maintenance and consumption of the common parts? Or also for private costs, such as your own energy consumption?
- As a tenant, do you have to take out your own fire insurance? Or does the landlord have insurance where the tenant's liability is included ('afstand van verhaal'/'huurdersaansprakelijkheid')?
- Is there an EPC certificate attached to the rental contract?
- How much is the rental deposit?
- An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate. This document describes how energy efficient the rental property is.
CAUTION: As a tenant, you may choose how to pay the rental deposit. The law lists 4 options. Is one of the 4 options already in the rental contract? And do you want another option? Then you must change it in the contract before you sign it. If you do not adjust the option, then you agree to the version in the rental contract.
Do you agree with the content and understand everything well?
Then you may sign the rental contract. As of now, you aagree with the rental contract.
BUT: Flemish rental legislation takes precedence over your rental contract. Is there anything in your contract that differs from the rental legislation? Then that legislation still protects you.
Example: Your rental contract states that you have to pay the real estate tax (onroerende voorheffing) The rental legislation says this is for the landlord. The rental legislation takes precedence, so the landlord still has to pay the real estate tax.
In doubt or don't understand everything in the rental contract?
Feel free to contact us. We'll review the rental contract for you.
