Registration
rental lease
In Belgium, registering a rental lease is more than just a formality: it’s a legal obligation as soon as a rental contract is drawn up in writing. This gives the lease a definite date, i.e. official proof that it exists.
Registration protects both lessor and lessee:
- For the owner: solid proof in the event of a dispute or tax audit.
- For the tenant: a guarantee of security. If the lease is not registered, the tenant can leave without notice or compensation.
Who registers the lease?
In principle, it is the lessor (the owner) who must register the lease. By law, this must be done within two months of signing the contract.
For leases of principal residences, this formality is free and can be completed online at MyMinfin.
If the landlord forgets to do this, the tenant can take the initiative himself. In this case, the lease will be considered registered and valid for both parties, even if it was the tenant who took the initiative.
Complete our form to obtain a rental guarantee online in just a few hours, without having to provide proof of registration of the rental lease.
How do I register a rental lease?
The simplest procedure is online
- Visit MyMinfin.be
- Log in via itsme or eID
- Upload the signed rental lease and inventory report, including copies of identity cards if necessary.
- You will receive a registration certificate by e-mail.
You can also register by post
Send a copy of the signed lease to the relevant registry office (Federal Public Service Finance), with full details of both parties.
Where can I find the registration certificate?
The rental lease registration certificate can be found on MyMinfin, in the “My documents” tab. It can be downloaded in PDF format. Keep it, as it may be requested by the tenant, the justice of the peace or the tax authorities.
How much does it cost to register a lease?
Registration of a rental lease is free for principal residence leases.
However, a fee is charged for :
- commercial leases (0.2% of annual rent + charges),
- garage or secondary leases.
What happens if the lease is not registered?
An unregistered lease remains legally valid, but it weakens the landlord’s position. As long as the lease has not been registered, the tenant can leave the property without notice or compensation, even if it’s a nine-year contract.
The lessor also exposes himself to tax penalties and to automatic registration by the authorities, often accompanied by penalties.
In practice, registering a lease is an essential step to avoid any unnecessary administrative or financial risk.
How do you check compliance before renting?
Yes, for all leases written in Belgium.
Two months after signature.
No, it’s free for a main dwelling.
Yes, the tenant can do it himself
