November 1, 2024
Since November 1, 2024, it is legally required for all tenants in Belgium to take out tenant liability insurance (also known as home insurance or fire insurance).
Wallonia introduced this obligation on September 1, 2018, followed by Flanders on January 1, 2019. Now, this requirement also applies to the Brussels-Capital Region.
When is fire insurance mandatory in Flanders and Wallonia?
The obligation applies only to tenants who have signed a written rental contract for residential property. Here are the key dates:
- Wallonia: from September 1, 2018,
- Flanders: from January 1, 2019,
- Brussels-Capital Region: from November 1, 2024.
Rental agreements signed before these dates remain subject to the previous regulations.
I already have fire insurance required by my lease: what changes?
Until now, many tenants were required to take out fire insurance due to a contractual clause in their lease. As of November 1, 2024, this obligation has become a legal requirement throughout Belgium.
Good to know:
Some rental agreements include a waiver of recourse clause, where the landlord takes out fire insurance for the rental property. In this case, you reimburse the landlord through an additional charge included in your rent. In return, you are exempt from paying for any potential damage to the rental property.
However, this clause does not cover damage caused to your neighbors or your personal belongings. Therefore, it is recommended to take out personal fire insurance for complete protection.
Why take out fire insurance as a tenant?
At the end of the lease, you are required to return the property in its original condition. This includes not only regular maintenance but also covering repairs in case of accidents such as a fire.
In Belgium, tenants are presumed responsible for fires or water damage unless proven otherwise. This means that in the event of a disaster, you may need to:
- Repair damages to the property,
- Compensate neighbors for damages to their belongings.
Only certain types of damage, such as those caused by lightning or structural defects, remain the landlord’s responsibility.
Protect your personal belongings as well
Your furniture and personal effects are not automatically covered by the landlord’s fire insurance. Imagine a fire caused by your fondue machine or a flood damaging your appliances. Without insurance, these losses can represent a significant cost.
Contact us to learn more about fire insurance.