5 points to check before signing your rental lease
The essential elements to check in a lease before committing to a rental.
Duration of the lease and termination conditions
Before signing a lease, it is essential to carefully read the rental agreement. One of the first elements to verify is the duration of the lease. Most contracts are concluded for a duration of 3 years. In the absence of a specified duration, the lease is automatically deemed to be concluded for a period of 9 years.
The terms of termination must also be examined. Depending on the duration of the lease, a notice period of 3 months is required, along with variable compensation. In the case of a long-term lease, known as a 3-6-9 contract, the compensation gradually decreases over the years.
Rent, utilities, and security deposit
The amount of rent and charges must correspond to the negotiated conditions. The contract specifies the payment methods for the rent as well as those related to the charges, whether they are flat-rate or in the form of provisions.
The rental guarantee is another key point. It can take the form of a deposit in a blocked account or a bank guarantee. In any case, it is essential that this guarantee is properly framed in the lease and that it is never paid directly into the owner's account.
Inventory and home insurance
The inventory is a mandatory step that must be carried out in detail before moving into the housing. All existing defects must be recorded to avoid any disputes upon departure. It is recommended to supplement this document with photos.
Finally, the tenant must check the obligations regarding home insurance. Civil liability insurance is mandatory in Wallonia and Flanders, and sometimes required in Brussels depending on the terms of the lease. This insurance protects the tenant against any damage they might cause to the property.
