Belgium Temporary Housing: Short-Term Accommodation Guide

Navigating Belgium’s housing market as a newcomer can be challenging, but temporary housing offers an excellent solution for those seeking immediate accommodation while settling into the country. Whether you’re coming for business, studies, or planning a permanent move, short-term rentals provide the flexibility and convenience needed during your transition period.

Temporary housing serves as a crucial stepping stone for expats and newcomers to Belgium. It provides immediate accommodation solutions for those on temporary work assignments or individuals who want to test the waters before committing to long-term residence.

This approach is particularly valuable given the competitive nature of the Belgian long-term rental market. Short-term rentals offer newcomers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new city, explore different neighborhoods, and make informed decisions about where they ultimately want to live.

The convenience of fully furnished apartments eliminates the immediate need to purchase furniture and household items, allowing you to focus on other aspects of settling in. For business travelers and professionals on temporary assignments, serviced apartments provide hotel-like amenities with the comfort and space of a private residence. This option is often more cost-effective than extended hotel stays while offering greater privacy and flexibility.

Types of Temporary Accommodation in Belgium

Furnished Apartments

Furnished apartments represent the most basic option, typically including essential furniture, kitchen appliances, and electronics like television. These apartments usually come with contracts ranging from one to six months and provide a more affordable alternative to hotels while offering greater space and privacy.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments take convenience a step further by including additional services such as regular cleaning, bed-making, and sometimes complimentary breakfast or snacks. These options are particularly popular among business travelers who have demanding schedules and prefer the convenience of hotel-like services combined with apartment-style living.

The premium for these services is often justified by the time saved and enhanced comfort provided. Both options typically include utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet in the rental price, eliminating the complexity of setting up multiple service contracts for short-term stays.

Alternative Options

While platforms like Airbnb are available in Belgium, they are primarily designed for tourists rather than immigrants or long-term visitors. The platform often lacks important filters for criteria essential to residents, such as the ability to secure contracts suitable for longer stays.

Other alternatives include traditional hotels for very short stays, though these become cost-prohibitive for extended periods. Student residences and shared accommodations through university programs offer budget-friendly options for those in academic programs.

Where to Find Short-Term Rentals in Belgium

Specialized Online Portals

The easiest way to find temporary apartments in Belgium is through specialized online portals designed specifically for short-term rentals. These platforms have streamlined the process, making it possible to secure accommodation from abroad before arrival.

Immoweb

Immoweb stands out as a market leader in the Belgian short-term rental space, focusing specifically on accommodations for expats and professionals. The platform offers both furnished and serviced apartments with a high volume of listings across major Belgian cities. Their comprehensive approach includes assistance with legal compliance and tenant verification processes.

ImmoVlan

ImmoVlan specializes in furnished apartments from individual landlords, often featuring properties where owners are temporarily away and seeking responsible subletters. This platform handles the entire subletting process, reducing complexity for both landlords and tenants.

ImmoVlan is another major Belgian platform, popular among both private landlords and property agencies. It offers a broad selection of properties, including many furnished and short-term rentals, and is known for its straightforward interface and detailed property descriptions. ImmoVlan is particularly useful for those seeking apartments in smaller towns or less central neighborhoods, as it often features listings that may not appear on larger, international sites.

HousingAnywhere

HousingAnywhere began as a student-focused platform but has expanded to serve both students and professionals across major and smaller Belgian cities. The platform offers a wide range of accommodation types and has established a strong presence in the Belgian market.

Spotahome

Spotahome provides listings for apartments, rooms, studios, and student residences, primarily concentrating on major Belgian cities. The platform offers virtual tours and verification services to help tenants make informed decisions without in-person viewings.

Other Specialized Platforms

Other platforms such as Nestpick, Be-Housing, and Getaway Short Stay focus specifically on temporary, fully furnished apartments and aim to simplify the process of finding extended-stay accommodation. Their platforms are designed with the needs of temporary residents in mind.

For students and young professionals, Kot.be is a specialized Belgian website dedicated to student housing. It lists thousands of “kots” (student rooms) in university cities such as Leuven, Ghent, and Brussels, and is especially busy during the academic year. Appartager, the Belgian version of EasyRoommate, is another valuable resource for those looking for shared flats or rooms, catering to a community-oriented, budget-conscious demographic.

City-Specific Providers

Major Belgian cities host numerous specialized providers focusing on temporary accommodation. In cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven, you’ll find providers such as RentMore, Home Consult, Home in Brussels, Martin’s All Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, and Thon Hotels.

These city-specific providers often have deep local knowledge and can offer insights into neighborhood characteristics and local amenities.

• Living in Belgium: A Guide to Belgian Cities for Expats

General Property Portals

While primarily designed for long-term rentals, general property portals like Logic-Immo occasionally feature short-term options. However, landlords on these platforms typically expect long-term tenants, making short-term rentals more difficult to secure.

Logic-Immo is a long-established Belgian property portal that, while traditionally focused on long-term rentals and sales, now also features a growing number of furnished and short-term listings, especially in urban areas. For those seeking a higher level of service and amenities, platforms like Be-Housing and RentMore offer curated selections of serviced apartments, primarily in major cities such as Brussels and Antwerp. These providers typically include cleaning, utilities, and flexible lease terms, making them attractive to business travelers and expats.

These platforms can be valuable if you’re also considering longer-term options or planning to purchase property.

Traditional Methods

Don’t underestimate traditional methods of finding accommodation. Your expat network can provide valuable recommendations and sometimes exclusive opportunities not advertised on major platforms. Local notice boards in community centers, universities, and co-working spaces often feature short-term rental opportunities from individuals seeking reliable tenants.

Cost of belgium temporary housing

Price Ranges

Short-term rental costs vary significantly based on location, duration, and apartment type. On average, expect to pay between €700 and €1,200 per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in major cities.

Brussels consistently ranks as Belgium’s most expensive city, with rental costs having increased dramatically in recent years. An apartment that might have cost €900 in previous years could easily command €1,200 or more today.

Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven also command premium prices, though generally somewhat lower than Brussels. Smaller cities and towns offer more affordable options but may have limited availability of short-term rentals.

Furnishing Surcharges

Landlords can legally charge furnishing surcharges for temporary furnished rentals, and these surcharges are exempt from rent control regulations. The surcharge should reflect the current value of furniture and furnishings, typically calculated based on the items’ age and original purchase price. This legal framework allows landlords to charge market rates for furnished accommodations while still providing value compared to hotel alternatives.

Budgeting Tips

Start your budgeting process early and factor in additional costs such as deposits, which typically equal one to three months’ rent. Meeting prospective landlords early in the process can sometimes lead to below-market rates, as some prioritize reliable tenants over maximum profit.

Consider the total cost of temporary housing versus the time and energy saved by having immediate accommodation. The premium paid for furnished, short-term rentals often proves worthwhile when considering the alternative costs of hotel stays, furniture purchases, and the stress of immediate apartment hunting upon arrival.

Legal Aspects of Temporary Rentals in Belgium

Rent Control and Furnished Apartments

Belgium’s rent control system limits rent increases for new rentals of existing apartments in areas with strained housing markets. However, this regulation specifically does not apply to furnished apartments rented for temporary use, giving landlords more pricing flexibility for short-term accommodations. This exception recognizes the additional value and services provided with furnished, temporary housing while protecting long-term tenants from excessive rent increases in the traditional rental market.

Misuse Regulations

Belgian law distinguishes between residential use and tourist accommodation through misuse regulations. Misuse occurs when living space is used for purposes other than actual residence, such as vacation rentals. However, it is not considered misuse when tenants temporarily establish their main place of residence for specific reasons like professional work.

Many municipalities impose minimum rental period requirements, typically exceeding one month, to ensure accommodations serve residential rather than purely tourist purposes. Adhering to these requirements and clearly stating the residential purpose in rental contracts helps avoid legal complications.

Contract Types and Terms

Temporary housing contracts are fixed-term agreements based on specific reasons for residence and must specify both the end date and circumstances of the stay. These contracts automatically terminate at the agreed-upon date and can only be ended early for extraordinary reasons directly influenced by the landlord, such as failure to provide promised accommodations or significant health hazards.

Contract extensions are possible, but the extended period must also be foreseeable with clearly stated reasons. Exceeding a total rental period of one year may risk the tenancy becoming indefinite, which changes the legal framework significantly.

Withdrawal Rights

Tenants may have withdrawal rights within 14 days under specific circumstances, particularly when landlords rent commercially and tenants haven’t inspected the apartment or signed contracts outside the landlord’s business premises. This right doesn’t apply to private rentals.

Even when tenants exercise withdrawal rights or cannot move in due to changed circumstances, landlords can legally demand rent payment. However, professional platforms often assist in finding replacement tenants and arranging termination agreements to minimize losses for both parties.

Subletting Regulations

Belgian law permits subletting under specific conditions, but it requires written consent from the landlord or property owner. Subletting should not generate profit beyond covering actual costs. Failing to obtain proper permission can result in termination of the main rental contract.

For landlords considering subletting their properties, best practices include conducting thorough background checks on potential subtenants, obtaining references, preparing detailed inventories, and ensuring all payments and signed contracts are completed before providing access.

Service Charges and Energy Certificates

Rental contracts typically stipulate that tenants bear service charges, with heating and hot water costs largely billed based on consumption. However, many short-term rental agreements use inclusive rent structures where service charges, heating, and hot water are charged at flat rates. This flat-rate system eliminates the need for detailed service charge statements and retrospective payments, simplifying the rental process for short-term tenants. While individual consumption may vary, flat rates generally balance out across multiple rentals.

Property owners must provide energy certificates for residential properties. For apartment buildings, the certificate covers the entire building and is typically held by property management. Landlords must display certificate information during inspections or provide copies to tenants upon move-in. Failure to provide required energy certificate information can result in fines, making this an important consideration when evaluating potential rentals.

Commercial vs. Private Rental Operations

Belgian law distinguishes between private asset management and commercial economic activity in rental operations. Private renting doesn’t fall under trade law, even when managing multiple properties. Commercial activity involves income exceeding typical asset management scope or operating hotel-like or boarding house arrangements.

Commercial landlords must register their business, comply with trade law requirements, and may owe trade taxes if profits exceed specified thresholds. This distinction can be complex, and professional advice from tax advisors or trade offices is recommended for specific situations.

The Short-Term Rental Process in Belgium

The short-term rental process in Belgium is typically fully digitized, making it significantly easier than securing long-term accommodation, though less personal. The standard process involves searching online platforms, creating detailed profiles, verifying identity documents, and sending booking requests.

Unlike long-term rentals, viewings are not typical for short-term accommodations, though some platforms offer virtual tours or viewing appointments upon request. Once landlords accept booking requests, tenants confirm apartments, sign digital contracts, pay first month’s rent plus deposits, and arrange move-in details directly with landlords. This streamlined process allows tenants to secure accommodation from abroad, ensuring housing is available immediately upon arrival in Belgium.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Short-Term Rentals in Belgium

Benefits

Short-term rentals offer numerous advantages for newcomers to Belgium:

• The ability to rent online from abroad makes arrival smoother and reduces the stress of immediate housing searches
• Less paperwork is typically required compared to long-term rentals
• Fully furnished apartments eliminate the cost and effort of purchasing furniture and household items
• Utilities including internet and electricity are typically included in rental prices, simplifying monthly budgeting
• These accommodations provide opportunities to explore and understand new cities before making permanent housing decisions
• They offer cozier, more personal living experiences than hotels while generally costing less for extended stays
• They help newcomers avoid the immediate pressure of navigating Belgium’s complex long-term property market

Drawbacks

Despite their advantages, short-term rentals have notable drawbacks:

• They are typically overpriced compared to long-term accommodations, reflecting the premium for furnished, flexible housing
• Tenants usually cannot view and verify apartments beforehand, though some platforms implement verification measures to address this concern
• The temporary nature means these accommodations may not feel like permanent homes, which can affect comfort and settling-in processes
• The short-term rental market has a mixed reputation, and while rare, scams do occur, requiring additional caution during the search and booking process

Tips for Finding and Renting Temporary Housing

Search Strategy

Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally at least one month before your planned move. Flexibility with arrival dates can significantly increase your chances of finding suitable properties.

Check reviews of landlords and platforms where available, and compare listings, prices, and reviews across multiple platforms. The apartment itself should be the primary deciding factor rather than price alone.

Safety and Scam Prevention

The most important rule for avoiding scams is never transferring money until contracts are finalized and signed by both parties. Trust your instincts and follow common sense when evaluating housing options.

Contract and Legal Considerations

Familiarize yourself with key terminology and contractual aspects including minimum rental duration, notice periods, and cancellation terms. If you don’t speak French or Dutch fluently, seek help from competent speakers to review contracts before signing.

Practical Considerations

Ensure apartments include WiFi, as setting up internet service for short periods is inefficient and costly. Clarify whether utilities are included in rental prices or billed separately, and understand the implications of each arrangement for your monthly budget.

Confirm whether you can put your name on mailboxes and building bells, or arrange alternative methods for receiving mail. This is crucial for receiving official documents and other important correspondence.

Consider the location’s proximity to essential services, public transportation, and your work or study locations.

Building Relationships

Meeting prospective landlords early in the process can provide valuable insights into neighborhood characteristics and may lead to more favorable rental terms. Understanding Belgium’s tenant-friendly legal framework and the availability of tenant associations can provide additional confidence when entering short-term rental agreements.

Looking Ahead

While temporary housing serves as an excellent starting point, finding long-term accommodation later will require understanding Belgian rental culture and may present significant challenges that should be anticipated and prepared accordingly.