Help, my landlord has given me notice to vacate
📋 Reasons for termination by the landlord
In Belgium, rental laws provide strong protection for tenants. Landlords cannot simply terminate the lease.
Valid reasons include:
- Personal Use (Art. 3.2): The landlord wishes to occupy the property himself or have it occupied by certain family members. A 6-month notice period applies in this case.
- Major renovation (Art. 3.3): Extensive work that thoroughly remodels the home. A 6-month notice period applies here as well.
- Without cause (Art. 3.4): After the first three years, the landlord may unilaterally terminate the lease without paying compensation.
- Termination due to breach of contract: In cases of serious contractual breaches (e.g., significant rent arrears). This process is handled by a justice of the peace.
🛡️ Protective Measures
- Notice of termination must always be given in writing, via registered mail
- The notice period begins on the first day of the month following receipt
- An oral agreement is invalid
⁉️ What now?
If you believe the notice of termination is not legally valid, you can challenge it through the tenants' association or by seeking primary legal assistance.
If your notice of termination is valid, you have at least 3 months to find another place to live.
There are several online platforms where you can find a suitable apartment or house. These include immoweb.be, zimmo.be, and immoscoop.be. You might also find a nice place in local rental groups on Facebook.
If your income is limited, you can sign up for a social housing agency’s waiting list. Please note: the waiting lists are long. However, registration is free, and your eligibility begins on the date you register.
In addition, there are several ways to get financial assistance:
- Rent Assistance: For Low-Income Individuals Moving Out of Non-Compliant Housing
- Rent Guarantee Fund: helps if you can't pay the security deposit all at once
- OCMW: Can provide financial or practical assistance with a move
👉 Did your landlord give you notice to vacate? We have a temporary place for you to stay
At Imperia, you can rent temporary housing for a few weeks or several months, until you find a permanent place to live again.
Our furnished apartments are suitable for singles, couples, and families. We offer units with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms.
Learn more about all our facilities on our website or check availability for the coming months right away. Questions? Ask them via the contact page.