Double registration requirement for residential leases in the Brussels-Capital Region

Background

On 25 April 2024, an ordinance was passed amending the Brussels Housing Code and the Code of Registration, Mortgage, and Court Fees. This ordinance introduced a regional registration requirement for residential leases through a regional platform, intending to replace the federal registration obligation.

However, the Council of State ruled that the Brussels Region does not have the authority to abolish the federal requirement. A case for annulment is currently pending before the Constitutional Court. Until a final ruling is issued, residential lease agreements must be registered at both the regional and federal levels.

Which lease agreements must be registered?

All residential lease agreements for properties located in the Brussels-Capital Region that have not yet been registered by 1 January 2025.

How does the registration process work?

Regional registration (IRISRent)

The registration is free of charge and must be completed within two months of signing the lease agreement. This can be done through the IRISRent application.

Required information:

• Landlord’s details (name, address, date of birth, email, etc.).

• Tenant’s details (name, address, date of birth, email, etc.).

• Identification of the property (property type, parcel number, address).

• Description of the property (year of construction, living area, number of bedrooms, reference to living spaces and annexes, indoor and outdoor facilities, presence of utility meters and their numbers, EPC certificate, etc.).

• Key contract details (type of lease, date, duration, rent amount and payment frequency, reference rent, charges, and costs).

• Attachments: A scanned copy of the signed lease agreement, any annexes, and the property condition report.

Each party will receive a confirmation of the lease registration at the provided email address.

Federal registration (MyRent)

The registration process remains the same as the current procedure. It is free of charge and can be done through the MyRent application, available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

You must also complete a form (providing details of the landlord, tenant, and property) and upload a scanned copy of the lease agreement to be registered. Make sure to merge the PDF files into one document, with a maximum file size of 50 MB.

The website also offers an E-learning module explaining the registration process.

Administrative simplification?

Although the ordinance aimed to simplify the registration procedure, it has temporarily resulted in additional administrative burdens. Until the Constitutional Court makes a final ruling, double registration remains mandatory.