THE FACTS
Are you going on Erasmus soon and the housing search is stressing you out? That’s normal! Every year, thousands of students face tempting offers that sometimes hide well-orchestrated scams. Fake landlords, misleading photos, requests for transfers before visits… The traps are numerous, especially when you’re searching remotely.
Scammers take advantage of urgency and distance to extort money from you. They often ask for a deposit or security via bank transfer or unsecured money transfer services (Western Union, MoneyGram) even before you’ve seen the apartment or signed a contract. Once the money is sent, they disappear. It’s a classic, and it happens more often than you think, even in Europe. Platforms like Agence Erasmus+ France have also warned about fraudulent practices affecting the Erasmus+ program, particularly concerning requests for transfers under the pretext of pre-financing.
WHY IT CONCERNS YOU
Because your Erasmus budget isn’t unlimited, and losing 500 or 1000 euros due to a scam can ruin your stay before it even begins. As a young Bruxellois, you might have already struggled to find a kot here, but abroad, it’s even more complex. You don’t know the local market prices, administrative procedures, or the good addresses. That’s where scammers strike. Don’t let yourself be fooled! Your Erasmus experience should be a positive adventure, not a source of financial stress. Avoid finding yourself homeless upon arrival or having to fight to get a never-returned deposit back. A good housing plan is the foundation of a successful Erasmus. We’ll give you the tips to avoid traps and start your adventure with peace of mind.
THE BELGIAN CONTEXT
Even if you’re going abroad, the Belgian context is important. In Belgium, student lease legislation is quite protective, but it’s regionalized, meaning the rules vary between Wallonia, Brussels, and Flanders. Since March 2024 in Brussels, the maximum rental guarantee is two months’ rent (excluding charges). In Wallonia, it’s two months (in a blocked account) or three months (progressive bank guarantee) since June 1, 2023.
The inventory of fixtures is mandatory and must be registered, and the entry inventory must be carried out no later than one month after you move in. Regarding notice, a student lease generally has a duration of 12 months, but can be shorter, often 10 months to match the academic year. In Brussels, you can generally terminate the lease early with two months’ notice, but compensation (up to three months’ rent) may be due, with exceptions (refusal of registration, abandonment of studies, or if you find a replacement with the landlord’s agreement). Never pay anything before you’ve visited the accommodation and signed an official lease. Belgian universities, like ULB or VUB, have dedicated services for Erasmus students (incoming and outgoing) who can give you advice or reliable contacts in your host country.
WHAT’S DEBATED
The main debate concerning student housing, especially for stays abroad, revolves around students’ vulnerability to scams. The difficulty in finding accommodation, urgency, unfamiliarity with local laws, and geographical distance are all factors that place young people in a delicate position, exploited by fraudsters. The issue of protecting foreign students is also raised, notably by organizations like the FEF, which has warned about scam practices related to fake guarantors for non-EU students in Belgium, following the increase in income requirements for guarantors in 2022-2023.
TO GO FURTHER
To avoid traps, prioritize recognized housing search platforms and the housing services of your host university or Belgian institution. Don’t hesitate to verify the landlord’s identity and the existence of the property using tools like Google Maps and “Search by image.” Never transfer money (deposit, security, first rent) before you’ve visited the accommodation, signed a contract, and ensured the legitimacy of the landlord. If the offer seems too good to be true, be wary. If in doubt, contact youth information services like Infor Jeunes or the Federal Police, who offer advice and practical guides on student housing scams.