Rental Security Deposit in Belgium
Types of Rental Guarantees in Belgium
In Belgium, there are five legal forms of rental guarantees. Each has its own rules, advantages, and disadvantages. Understanding the differences will help you choose the solution that best suits your situation.
Complete Overview
The 5 Legal Forms of Rental Guarantees
Belgian law recognizes five types of rental guarantees, the rules for which vary slightly by region (Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders).
1. The Frozen Account
The tenant deposits the full amount into an escrow account opened in his or her name. The bank issues a certificate to the landlord. The funds remain tied up for the entire term of the lease.
✓ Benefits
- The solution most commonly used by homeowners
- Interest Capitalized on Your Savings
✗ Disadvantages
- Capital fully frozen for years
- Requires having the money available all at once
2. The Bank Guarantee
The bank acts as a guarantor for the tenant, who is not required to set aside funds immediately. The borrower repays the amount in monthly installments over a maximum of 3 years. It works like an interest-free loan.
✓ Benefits
- No immediate capital freeze
- Interest-free
✗ Disadvantages
- The bank may deny your application based on your profile
- Suspension of payments = immediate repayment required
3. Coverage through the CPAS
The Public Social Services Center provides assistance to people who lack sufficient means. The CPAS acts as a guarantor for the bank or pays the security deposit directly. Reserved for situations of proven financial hardship.
✓ Benefits
- Free for beneficiaries
- No equity required
✗ Disadvantages
- Strict income and status requirements
- Administrative delays can sometimes be lengthy
4. Coverage through an insurance policy (Korfine)
The tenant takes out a life insurance policy, the death benefit of which serves as collateral. Korfine is the most widely used product in Belgium for this type. The tenant pays an annual premium indexed to inflation instead of tying up capital.
✓ Benefits
- No capital tied up
- Open to all types of candidates
✗ Disadvantages
- Annual premium due (net cost over the term)
- Unrecovered Capital at the End of the Lease
5. A guarantee backed by a guarantor
A third party (a relative or a financial institution) acts as a guarantor for the tenant. The tenant does not set aside any funds—it is the guarantor who agrees to cover any damages.
✓ Benefits
- No capital lock-up
- A quick solution if a guarantor is available
✗ Disadvantages
- Requires a family member or an institution that is willing to accept
- Few landlords accept this arrangement
Why Choose garantie.be
The solution that doesn’t tie up capital
garantie.be lets you set up your rental guarantee online, without tying up your funds. Application processed in 10 minutes, certificate issued within 24 business hours, valid in all three regions.
garantie.be
RECOMMENDED- Without tying up your savings
- Certificate within 24 business hours
- 100% online, application takes 10 minutes
- Valid in all 3 regions
- FSMA-Licensed — Insurance Broker
Blocked account
- Capital tied up for 2–3 years
- Funds Not Immediately Available
- Capitalized Interest
- Highly popular with homeowners
- Procedures at a Bank Branch
Regional Rules
How much is it in your region?
The maximum allowed amount depends on the region where the rental property is located.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Tenants Are Asking For
These are two terms for the same thing. In Belgium, people use the terms “rental guarantee” and “rental deposit” interchangeably. It refers to the amount deposited or guaranteed to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the lease.
Yes. garantie.be allows you to set up your rental guarantee without tying up your capital: you do not have to pay any locked-in amount, and you receive a certificate recognized by landlords. The CPAS also offers a solution that does not require personal funds for people in precarious situations. The blocked account and Korfine, on the other hand, both require you to tie up capital.
No. The rental guarantee remains frozen for the entire duration of the rental lease. The landlord may only access it at the end of the lease, and only with your consent or following a court order. It cannot be used to cover current rent payments.
In principle, yes—Belgian law does not allow a landlord to refuse a legal form of security deposit. In practice, the escrow account and the insurance-based security deposit (Korfine) are the best-known options. The garantie.be certificate is recognized and accepted by landlords and real estate agencies.
When the keys are handed over, the landlord and tenant sign a move-out agreement. If the property is in good condition and all rent payments are up to date, the security deposit is refunded in full. In the event of a dispute, the move-out process is handled by the justice of the peace. With garantie.be, you can also complete the process online.
Learn More
Detailed information by region and profile
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