THE ESSENTIALS
Finding a flatshare in Brussels in 2026 often means going through specialized websites and online groups. The official flatshare lease in Brussels is a single contract for all flatmates, and it must always be accompanied by a flatshare agreement that organizes your life together. Watch out for pitfalls like the solidarity clause and make sure everything is clear to avoid financial headaches.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In Brussels, flatsharing is governed by specific rules for leases signed or renewed after January 1, 2018. The flatshare lease is a single contract signed by all flatmates and the landlord. This contract must be supplemented by a “flatshare agreement.” This agreement is your internal rulebook; it details the distribution of rent, charges, inventory of furniture, and rules for a flatmate’s arrival or departure. It doesn’t concern the landlord, but it’s super important between you.
The rental guarantee cannot exceed 2 months’ rent in the Brussels-Capital Region in 2026. It is usually placed in a blocked account in the flatmates’ names. If you leave the flatshare, you cannot recover your share directly from the bank; you need to arrange it with your flatmates or your replacement. The Housing Fund of the Brussels-Capital Region can help you set up this guarantee as a 0% interest loan or via the BRU-GAL fund, without the landlord knowing.
An inventory of fixtures is mandatory upon entry and must be annexed to the lease. It must be detailed, dated, signed by all parties, and include meter readings. In Brussels, it is not mandatory to redo an inventory of fixtures with each departure or arrival of a flatmate, but it is highly recommended to avoid disputes.
The solidarity clause is very common in flatshare leases. With this clause, the landlord can claim the entire rent or damages from any flatmate, even if another is responsible. A formal notice sent to one flatmate is valid for all.
If a flatmate wants to leave before the end of the lease, they must give 2 months’ notice to the landlord and other flatmates in the Brussels-Capital Region. To be released from their obligations, they must find a replacement accepted by the landlord and flatmates, or prove that they have actively searched. If they don’t find anyone, they remain jointly liable for 6 months after the effective date of their notice.
The flatshare lease must be registered free of charge within 2 months of its signature.
HOW TO DO IT
- Where to look for your flatshare:
- Check specialized platforms like Brukot, La Carte des Colocs, Student.be or Roomlala.
- Facebook groups dedicated to flatsharing in Brussels are also a good lead.
- Some companies offer “coliving” with included services, like Colonies.
- When you find your flatshare:
- Read the flatshare lease agreement and the flatshare pact carefully before signing. Make sure all common living rules and financial responsibilities are clear.
- Do a detailed inventory of fixtures with the landlord or an expert before moving in. It’s mandatory and it protects you.
- Verify that the lease is properly registered by the landlord within 2 months after signing. It’s free and it’s the landlord’s responsibility.
- If a new flatmate arrives:
- An addendum to the lease agreement and the flatshare pact must be signed by the landlord, the remaining flatmates, and the new flatmate. This addendum must specify who is replacing whom.
- Even if it’s not mandatory in Brussels, it’s highly recommended to do an intermediate inventory of fixtures.
- If you want to leave:
- Give 2 months’ notice to the landlord and other flatmates.
- Actively look for a replacement to release yourself from your obligations.
THE PITFALLS
- No flatshare agreement: Without this document, common living rules and expense distribution are unclear, which can create tension and conflicts between flatmates.
- The solidarity clause: This is the most common pitfall! If a solidarity clause is included in your lease, you can be held responsible for paying the rent or charges of a defaulting flatmate. You remain jointly liable even after your departure if you haven’t found a replacement or if the 6-month period has not elapsed.
- No addendum for a new flatmate: If a new flatmate arrives without signing an addendum to the lease, they are not officially recognized. The departing flatmate remains bound by the contract and can be held responsible for paying the rent in case of a problem.
- Impact on social benefits: Flatsharing can affect
Verified sources
- droitsquotidiens.be
- gestiplus.be
- pacte-coloc.be
- bruxelles-j.be
- coolok.be
- fonds.brussels
Information verified on 16/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official organization.