Renting Out Your Property in Wallonia: The Complete Guide for Landlords (2026 Edition)

As a property owner in Wallonia, renting out a property can be an excellent source of income, but it also requires a thorough understanding of a specific and constantly evolving legal framework. At GIPB, we’re here to help you safeguard your investment and ensure a stress-free management experience. This article provides an overview of the key points for renting out your property in Wallonia in 2026.

1. Wallonia’s Legal Framework for Residential Leases

Since September 1, 2018, the Walloon Region has had its own decree governing residential leases, thereby supplementing the general provisions of the Civil Code. This legal framework aims to balance the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. It is therefore crucial to comply with it to avoid any disputes.

The primary residence lease is the most common type of lease. It is entered into for a term of 9 years by default, but a short-term lease (maximum 3 years, renewable twice without exceeding 3 years in total) is also possible. Beyond these renewals, the short-term lease is automatically converted into a 9-year lease.

2. The Requirement for a Written Lease and Its Essential Provisions

In Wallonia, any lease entered into or renewed must be in writing. To be valid, this document must contain specific information, including:

The start date and the term of the lease.

A complete description of the leased property (all premises and parts of the building).

Information regarding utilities (estimated, actual, or flat-rate amount).

The date of the most recent PEB (Building Energy Performance) certificate.

If one party refuses to put the agreement in writing, the other party may serve a formal notice by certified mail or through a bailiff, and may bring the matter before the justice of the peace in the event of non-compliance.

3. Registration of the Lease: A Mandatory Procedure and Its Consequences

Lease registration is a legal obligation for the landlord and must be completed within two months of the contract’s signing. This formality is free of charge and establishes a definite date for the lease, making it enforceable against all parties.

The consequences of an unregistered lease are significant:

Possibility of termination by the tenant: A tenant may, under certain conditions and after giving the landlord formal notice, terminate the lease without notice or compensation if it is not registered.

Registration can be done online via MyMinfin or MyRent, or by mail through the Federal Public Service Finance.

4. The move-in inspection: essential protection

A move-in inspection is mandatory in Wallonia for all leases of a primary residence. It must be conducted before the keys are handed over or at the start of occupancy, and must be attached to the lease. This document, ideally detailed and accompanied by photos, precisely describes the condition of the property. It is strongly recommended that it be drafted by a certified expert to ensure its impartiality and validity in the event of a dispute.

The move-out inspection report, although not subject to a registration requirement, is just as crucial. It allows for a comparison of the property’s condition at the end of the lease with that noted at move-in, serving as the basis for determining any rental damage and the return of the security deposit.

5. The Rental Security Deposit: Protecting Your Property

The rental security deposit, although not mandatory, is a key element in protecting the landlord’s interests. In Wallonia, it is capped at a maximum of two months’ rent (excluding utilities) if deposited into a separate escrow account in the tenant’s name. If the tenant opts for a bank guarantee, the cap may reach three months’ rent.

The security deposit remains the tenant’s property and cannot be used by the landlord without mutual agreement or a court order. If damage is found during the move-out inspection, the justice of the peace may authorize the release of part or all of the security deposit to the landlord.

6. The PEB Certificate: Essential Information

The PEB (Building Energy Performance) certificate is mandatory in Wallonia for any residential rental. The landlord must obtain it before publishing the listing and must include the PEB rating in the listing. A copy of the original certificate must be provided to the tenant no later than the time the lease is signed.

The PEB certificate, valid for 10 years, informs the prospective tenant about the property’s theoretical energy consumption and expected utility costs, ranking the dwelling from A to G. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine of €1,000.

7. Notice Period and Termination of the Lease

The rules regarding notice periods vary depending on the term of the lease. For a 9-year lease, the tenant may terminate the lease at any time with 3 months’ notice. If the tenant leaves the property during the first three years, compensation is due (3 months’ rent in the first year, 2 months in the second, and 1 month in the third).

For a short-term lease, the tenant may also give 3 months’ notice, but must pay compensation equivalent to one month’s rent if they leave before the lease expires. The notice period begins on the first day of the month following receipt of the registered letter.

This is an informational article and does not constitute legal advice.