💶 How much rental deposit can be asked in Belgium?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends on your region — and the deposit's form. In Flanders the landlord may ask at most 3 months' rent, paid into a blocked deposit account in your name. In Brussels it's 2 months for a blocked-account transfer and 3 for a bank guarantee; Wallonia mirrors that: 2 months (blocked account or the state e-DEPO) or 3 via bank guarantee. Two golden rules everywhere: the deposit never goes to the landlord in cash (blocked = your protection plus interest), and it's released after the lease with both parties' agreement or a judgment. Short on funds? The Flemish Housing Fund (deposit loan), Brussels funds and the public welfare office (OCMW/CPAS) step in — and landlords may not discriminate against those forms.

📋 The rules

Flanders: max 3 months — blocked account in the tenant's name
Brussels: 2 months (blocked transfer) or 3 (bank guarantee)
Wallonia: 2 months (account/e-DEPO) or 3 (bank guarantee)
Never cash to the landlord — blocked, with interest accruing to you
Release: written agreement of both parties or a justice-of-the-peace ruling

🔓 Exceptions

Deposit loans (Flemish Housing Fund) and welfare-office guarantees: full alternatives — refusing them is discrimination
Student rooms (kots): same regional caps, specific contract types

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Demanding above the cap or in cash: the excess is recoverable and the justice of the peace can sanction. Withholding the deposit without agreement: conciliation/claims at the justice of the peace — with interest.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can the landlord demand 3 months in cash?

No — cash isn't a permitted deposit form anywhere; the money belongs on a blocked account (or e-DEPO/bank guarantee per region).

When do I get the deposit back?

After the exit inventory: with both parties' written agreement the bank releases it; disputes go to the justice of the peace.

What if I can't afford the deposit?

Flanders: an interest-free Housing Fund loan; Brussels/Wallonia: funds and welfare-office guarantees — landlords may not refuse those forms.

Can the landlord keep it for 'wear'?

Only for proven damage beyond normal wear — which is why a detailed entry inventory is gold.

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