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Renting an aprtment in Brussels
Normally the guarantee is two months rent value. Never give cash for guarantee instead go for a bank guarantee account( All banks offer that). If you give your guarantee in cash chances are very high you wont get it anymore in case you leave. Make your payments via bank transfer only so you have proof that you paid. Be careful with whats included. I had charges amounted 100Euro/month where hot water was included. In very end I paid 200 euro/per month charges as I did pass the amount included.
You are legally liable to pay also basic fire and flooding insurance.
When you decide to leave you have to give at least 3 month in advance notice to land lord in an official way such as registered post.
Know the law and know your rights, otherwise you'll be asking some more questions in a few months time, and they will be expensive ones.
http://www.xpats.com/renting-brussels-finding-your-home-away-home
And that three months notice in advance is three clear calendar months in advance - so, for example, notice given today will determine on 30 April - unless the contract specifically states something else. Even a fixed term contract requires that notice be given by one or other of the parties.
The notice doesn't have to be by registered post, you could physically hand it to your landlord in duplicate with one copy being handed back to you signed as an acknowledgement of reception.
Notice must be registered post, cannot be verbal or non registered.
and don't forget to be extremely scrupulous at the entry inspection and note every single items that is broken, unfixed, faulty (if any). Even a hole in the wall from a frame that was previously attached! You might be asked to fix it or pay compensation the day you move out.
Most of the problems with renting property come from three issues, 1) the contract and 2) damages when you leave and 3) problems with their landlord.
1) Please make sure that you fully understand what you are signing. Many people sign contracts that they don't understand (because they don't speak French or Flemish, and assume that the contract is fine).
Best of all, use one of the standard contracts that are available from reputable sources such as here: http://www.op.be/en-GB/Shop
There really is no reason to have a specifically drawn up contract, or an overly complicated contract from an agent. If they don't want to use a contract such as the one above, there should be a VERY good reason, or it's a sign that they are likely to be a problem landlord.
2) "R" above mentions the inspections. You should have a full inventory of the property done when you arrive. This should be done by a proper independent expert. The report will be delivered to you as well as the landlord. You should be present when the report is being made so that you can see exactly what they are recording and why. If there is anything in the report that the expert has missed, or you don't agree with, you need to point that out immediately.
3) This is largely down to personal chemistry more than anything else. But my advice is that frankly, even if you have found the PERFECT apartment / house, if you don't actually like the landlord, or the agent, don't sign a contract.
Hi All,
Along with two months advance I was asked to pay below
50 - one time entry exit fee
100 - Insurance
320 - Inspection charge
I feel inspection charge too high and half of the amount should be shared by the owner. Need advice on this.
