Can I sublet my rental?
Subletting is possible, but never the whole home without your landlord's written consent. Two conditions always apply: the home must be your main residence and the landlord must agree. Subletting the whole home is possible only with prior written consent. Subletting part is allowed if you keep living in the rest (as your main residence) and the landlord agrees. Importantly, as the main tenant you stay fully liable to your landlord, including for damage caused by the sub-tenant, and the sublet can never last longer than your own lease. In Flanders this is set in article 32 of the housing-lease decree; in Wallonia written consent and a written sub-lease are required; in Brussels tacit consent can sometimes suffice. Subletting without consent is a contractual fault that can dissolve your lease.
📋 The rules
- Two conditions: the home is your main residence and the landlord agrees
- Subletting the whole home: only with prior written consent
- Subletting part is allowed if you keep living in the rest as your main residence
- As the main tenant you stay fully liable to the landlord
- The sublet can never last longer than your own lease
- Flanders: art. 32 housing-lease decree; Wallonia: written consent + sub-lease; Brussels: tacit consent possible
🔓 Exceptions
- If you receive a rent allowance (Wallonia/Brussels), you generally may not sublet — on pain of losing the allowance
- Putting your home on Airbnb is also subletting and needs registration or a permit (separate rules)
- The form of consent differs by region: Wallonia requires written consent plus a written sub-lease, while in Brussels tacit consent can sometimes suffice
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Subletting without the required consent is not a crime, but a contractual fault — and it carries weight. After a formal notice, the landlord can ask the justice of the peace to dissolve your lease at your fault, evict the sub-tenant and award damages. You lose your home; the sub-tenant loses everything, because their rights depend entirely on your main lease. Even with consent, as the main tenant you stay fully liable: your sub-tenant's damage and rent arrears are your problem, and the landlord will come to you for them.
📎 Official sources
- Codex Flanders · housing-lease decree (art. 32 subletting) →
- Kotbaas / Brik vzw · main residence and subletting →
- Evocaat · can a tenant sublet →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I sublet my rental?
Only with your landlord's consent, and the home must be your main residence. Subletting the whole home is possible only with prior written consent — a verbal promise is not enough to protect you.
Can I sublet a room while I live there?
Yes, partial subletting is allowed if you keep living in the rest as your main residence and the landlord agrees. You still stay fully liable for the whole rent and for damage caused by your sub-tenant.
What if I sublet without consent?
It is a contractual fault, not a crime. After a formal notice, the landlord can ask the justice of the peace to dissolve your lease at your fault, evict the sub-tenant and claim damages — so it can cost you the home itself.
How long may the sublet last?
Never longer than your own main lease. When your lease ends, the sublet automatically ends with it: the sub-tenant has no direct link with the owner, so nothing of theirs survives your departure. Plan the dates accordingly.
Do the rules differ by region?
Yes. In Flanders it is article 32 of the housing-lease decree; in Wallonia you need written consent plus a written sub-lease contract; in Brussels tacit consent can sometimes be enough — though proving it is another matter.
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