Search form

menu menu

Etait des lieux

Question

If the rental contract for our apartment was never registered, is the etait des lieux that we signed on entry still valid? Is there a number we can call to check about the lease?
TIA

MeHa

http://belgium.angloinfo.com/housing/renting-accommodation/lease-agreement/

Registering the Lease (There is more info on the website above)
All leases in Belgium must be registered with the local office of the Receiver of Registrations, Ministry of Finance (Enregistrement, Ministere des Finances/Registratie, Ministerie van Financien), within two months of being signed. If the lease is not registered within this period, a fine can be imposed. The lease must be registered by the owner of the property and is entirely free of charge. If the lease is not registered, the landlord will receive a fine and the tenant can end the contract at any moment without having to give notice or pay any penalties. The lease can be registered in person at the local office of the property, by post, by e-mail or by fax.

The Federal Public Service of Finances can provide further information and a list of offices, Tel: 02 572 57 57

Nov 27, 2014 11:14
red

Perfect - I just needed the number thx and to ask about the e.d.l.
We never received a stamped copy, and we never registered it as we didn't know! This was over 10 years ago when the tenants were responsible to do this. Presumably we're not facing a fine now...

Nov 27, 2014 11:33
becasse

You certainly can't rely on the lease and eld not being valid because they weren't registered - the old law was different!

However, I think that you are worrying unnecessarily about the edl because decoration is considered to be "spent" after nine years, and so it should only be actual damage or unapproved alterations that you will need to compensate the landlord for.

Nov 27, 2014 11:52
red

Thx - am thinking of holes in walls for lights to cover the wires that were hanging out of the walls and curtain rails that we had to put up...

Nov 27, 2014 12:11
red

If these need to be filled in - but not painted as the apartment will be painted anyway - does anyone know of a handyman who can come and do that in the next couple of weeks?

Nov 27, 2014 12:30
red

Thx - am thinking of holes in walls for lights to cover the wires that were hanging out of the walls and curtain rails that we had to put up...

Nov 27, 2014 15:42
yttap

As far as I know, if you leave the curtain rails and covers where they are, there is nothing to be done on your side, but if you start removing these things and the holes are apparent you may have to repair them. So best to leave them as is.

Nov 28, 2014 10:35
Mikek1300gt

It is easier to fill the flipping hole than it is to remove a screw from the wall!

Nov 28, 2014 15:32
yttap

If you don't remove the screw, there is no hole to fill!

Nov 28, 2014 22:49