Moving-In Procedures: Complete Checklist for Tenants
Summary Checklist
| Step | When | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Sign the lease | Before entry | ✅ Yes |
| Set up the rental guarantee | Before or at the time of entry | ✅ Yes |
| Take out fire insurance | Before entry | ✅ Yes (in most leases) |
| Carry out the entry inventory | On the day of key handover | ✅ Yes |
| Read the meters (water, gas, electricity) | On the day of entry | ✅ Yes |
| Transfer energy contracts | Within 30 days | ✅ Yes |
| Change address (registration) | Within 8 working days | ✅ Yes |
| Notify the move (other organisations) | Within 30 days | Recommended |
| Check lease registration | After 2 months | Recommended |
Before Moving In
1. Sign the Lease
The lease must be signed in two copies (one for each party). Check that it contains:
- Full identity of the parties
- Description of the property (address, floor, surface area)
- Amount of rent and charges
- Duration of the lease and start date
- EPC certificate as an annex
2. Set Up the Rental Guarantee
| Region | Maximum (all forms) |
|---|---|
| Brussels | 2 months' rent (since Nov. 2024) |
| Wallonia | 2 months (blocked account) or 3 months (bank guarantee) |
| Flanders | 3 months' rent (all forms) |
The guarantee must be placed in a blocked account in your name at a bank. The landlord cannot demand a cash payment or a transfer to their own account.
If you have financial difficulties, the CPAS can act as guarantor. More info: CPAS — Housing Assistance
Official info: FPS Finance — Rental Guarantee
3. Take Out Fire Insurance
Most leases require fire insurance (tenant liability). It covers:
- Damage caused to the building through your fault (fire, water damage)
- Your liability towards neighbours
- Optional: your personal belongings (contents)
Average cost: €100 to €200/year for an apartment.
On Moving Day
4. Entry Inventory
The property inventory is mandatory and must be carried out:
- Jointly (both parties present)
- Before or at the time of entering the premises
- In a detailed manner (room by room, with photos)
| Option | Cost | Recommended if... |
|---|---|---|
| Between parties (free) | €0 | Property in good condition, mutual trust |
| Independent expert | €150–400 (shared 50/50) | Older property, numerous defects |
5. Read the Meters
On the day of entry, read all meters with the landlord:
| Meter | Where to Find It | What to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Electrical panel / basement | EAN number + index (day/night) |
| Gas | Basement / utility room | EAN number + index |
| Water | Basement / external access point | Meter number + index |
Take a photo of each meter with the index visible. Sign a joint document with the readings.
6. Transfer Energy Contracts
You have 30 days to notify your move-in to an energy supplier. You can:
- Take over the existing contract (rare)
- Choose your own supplier (recommended — compare on MonEnergie.be)
For water, contact the regional distributor (SWDE in Wallonia, Vivaqua in Brussels, De Watergroep in Flanders).
After Moving In
7. Change of Address (Registration)
You must present yourself at the municipality of your new address within 8 working days of moving in.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Declaration at the municipality | Identity card + signed lease |
| Visit from the neighbourhood officer | Within 15 days (verifies you actually live there) |
| New identity card | Summons after validation |
8. Notify Your Move to Other Organisations
| Organisation | How | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Employer / health insurance | In writing or online | As soon as possible |
| Bank | At the branch or online | As soon as possible |
| Insurance (car, health) | By phone or mail | Within 30 days |
| Telecom/internet provider | Online or by phone | 2–4 weeks before |
| Post office (mail forwarding) | bpost.be | Recommended 5 days before |
| FPS Finance | Automatic via municipality | — |
9. Check Lease Registration
The landlord has 2 months to register the lease with the FPS Finance. Check on MyMinfin.
If the lease is not registered:
- You can leave without notice or compensation (9-year lease)
- The landlord cannot index the rent
- The lease is not enforceable against third parties (in case of property sale)
Regional Specificities
BBrussels
- The lease must be accompanied by the mandatory annex (rights and duties)
- The EPC certificate is mandatory as an annex
- Full info: Brussels Housing — Renting
WWallonia
- The entry inventory is mandatory (in its absence, presumption of good condition)
- The lease must mention the EPC certificate
- Info: Wallonia — Renting a property
VFlanders
- Rental guarantee up to 3 months authorised
- The lease must be accompanied by the EPC certificate and the electrical conformity report
- Info: Woninghuur Vlaanderen
Official Links
- Belgium.be — Rental — Federal legal framework
- FPS Finance — Rental Guarantee — Guarantee rules
- MyMinfin — Check lease registration
- Brussels Housing — Brussels rules
- Wallonia — Renting — Walloon framework
- Woninghuur Vlaanderen — Flemish framework
- CPAS — Housing Assistance — Financial help for the guarantee
Selectio supports you at every step of your move-in with a personalised checklist and automated tracking of your procedures. Learn more →