MyMinfin e-DEPO
or Garantie.be
In Belgium, tenants must provide a rental guarantee before they can access housing. There are two main solutions:
- Blocking money via e-DEPO on MyMinfinthe tax authorities’ service,
- The rental deposit via Garantie.be, which acts as guarantor on behalf of the tenant.
Which solution should you choose? Here’s a full comparison of the pros and cons of each option.
How do eDEPO and Garantie.be work?
e-DEPO on MyMinfin
The tenant blocks a sum of money (usually 2 to 3 months’ rent) in a government-managed account. The money remains inaccessible until the end of the lease.
Garantie.be
The tenant does not deposit any money. Garantie.be provides a joint and several guarantee to the landlord, guaranteeing payment in the event of rental debts. The tenant pays an annual guarantee fee.
Accessibility and flexibility of both solutions
In terms of accessibility and flexibility, Garantie.be has the edge:
✅ Garantie.be
- No need to block funds: ideal solution for tenants.
- Fast processing: warranty can be provided within 24 hours.
- On-line file with human support.
❌ e-DEPO
- The lessee must have the full amount to be blocked at the outset.
- Sometimes complex or technical (connection to MyMinfin, documents, transfer).
Cost of the two online rental guarantee solutions
✅ e-DEPO
- Free: no fees or commissions.
- The money remains the property of the tenant and is returned if there are no problems.
❌ Garantie.be
- The lessee pays a non-refundable annual premium.
- But this cost can be seen as access to a financing service.
End-of-lease warranty management
✅ e-DEPO
- Restitution only possible if both parties agree.
- In the event of disagreement, the funds are frozen until a court decision is reached.
✅ Garantie.be
- The owner can call on Garantie.be in the event of non-payment or damage.
- Garantie.be then turns to the tenant to recover the sums advanced.
Owners' image of the warranty service
✅ Garantie.be
- Guarantee often accepted by agencies and professional lessors.
- Accompanied by a clear contractual commitment, it is reassuring.
✅ e-DEPO
- A well-known and appreciated solution, since it is governed by the tax authorities.
- Sometimes perceived as more reassuring if the tenant has financial means.
Conclusion
The choice between e-DEPO on MyMinfin and the rental guarantee via Garantie.be depends primarily on your financial situation and your priorities:
- Choose e-DEPO if you have the funds available and want to avoid any costs.
- Opt for Garantie.be if you prefer to conserve your cash and access housing quickly.
Both solutions are safe, legal and recognized in Belgium. The most important thing is to understand how they work, so you can make an informed choice.
