Legal aid and housing
A dispute with your landlord, a deposit that is not returned, need a lawyer? In Belgium, first legal advice is free for everyone, and a lawyer can be free depending on your income. Here is the path, region by region.
Free first legal advice, for everyone Free
First-line legal aid is free with no income condition: a lawyer gives practical information, a first opinion or refers you on. Sessions are held at courthouses, justices of the peace, justice houses, some CPAS/OCMW and town halls.
In Flanders: free, anonymous lawyers' advice line 02 204 36 80 (Mon-Thu 14:30-17:30, Fri 9:30-12:30, in Dutch).
Need legal advice? (Federal Justice, FR) ↗Sessions near you (FR) ↗
A free or almost free lawyer (depending on income)
Second-line legal aid (formerly “pro deo”) gives you a fully or partly free lawyer. Limits since 1 September 2026 (net monthly income):
- Single person: free up to €1,670 · partly free from €1,670 to €1,988.
- Couple, cohabitant or single with a dependant: free up to €1,988 · partly free from €1,988 to €2,305.
- + €369.58 per dependant. If partly free, you pay €25 to €125 at most.
Direct access, without a detailed calculation, for example if you receive the CPAS integration income, the elderly income guarantee, a disability allowance, live in social housing or are a minor.
How: go to (or write to) the Legal Aid Office (BAJ/BJB) of your district, or ask a lawyer who accepts legal aid directly. Bring your ID card and proof of income. Application forms exist in English.
Check your legal expenses insurance
First check whether you have legal expenses insurance: it is often included in car, home or family liability insurance. The insurer can pay the lawyer and costs within the policy limits. The law guarantees free choice of lawyer.
The justice of the peace and free conciliation Free
The justice of the peace handles everyday disputes up to €5,000, and all tenancy disputes whatever the amount (rent, deposit, repairs, eviction), as well as neighbour disputes.
Before going to court, ask for free conciliation: a simple letter to the court registry of your local justice of the peace is enough, no lawyer needed. An agreement can have the same force as a judgment.
Rental deposit: amount and return
- Brussels (leases since 1/11/2024): 2 months' rent maximum, whatever the form. It must be returned within 2 months of handing back the keys (unless disputed); otherwise the landlord owes 10% of the deposit per month of delay.
- Wallonia: 2 months maximum, whatever the form.
- Flanders (leases since 2019): 3 months maximum. The landlord may not keep the money on their own account.
The bank releases the deposit with the written agreement of both parties or a court decision. If the landlord refuses without reason: registered letter, then conciliation at the justice of the peace.
Ask for your rental deposit back
[First name Last name] [Current address] [Postcode Town] To: [Landlord's name] [Landlord's address] [Town], [Date] Subject: Return of the rental deposit — property at [address of the rented home] Dear Sir or Madam, I moved out of the property at [address] and handed back the keys on [date]. The check-out inventory was carried out on [date] [with no remarks / with the following remarks: …]. Please sign the release agreement for the rental deposit of €[amount] held at [bank / CPAS] (account no. [number]) so that it is paid back to account [IBAN] within 15 days. If I have no reply within that time, I will ask the justice of the peace for conciliation. Yours faithfully, [First name Last name]
Repairs and homes in poor condition
Throughout Belgium, the tenant does routine maintenance and small repairs (boiler servicing, light bulbs, descaling…); the landlord does all other repairs and those due to wear or force majeure (replacing a boiler, roof, pipes…).
How: report the problem in writing with photos, then send a formal notice by registered letter with a deadline. No response: conciliation or proceedings at the justice of the peace. Don't stop paying rent without legal advice.
Dangerous or unhealthy home: Brussels — complaint to the Regional Housing Inspectorate (DIRL), 0800 40 400 (Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00-12:00); Wallonia — housing-safety inspection request to the town hall or SPW Logement; Flanders — your town's woonloket has the home inspected (free).
Ask your landlord for repairs
[First name Last name] [Address of the rented home] [Postcode Town] To: [Landlord's name] [Landlord's address] [Town], [Date] Subject: Request for repairs — property at [address] Dear Sir or Madam, Since [date], the home I rent has the following problem: [precise description: broken boiler, water leak, windows…]. I reported it to you on [date] [by phone / by email]. Photos are attached. These repairs are the landlord's responsibility. Please have them carried out within [15] days of receiving this letter. Otherwise, I will apply to the justice of the peace (conciliation) and, if necessary, request a housing inspection. Yours faithfully, [First name Last name]
Rent indexation and notice
Indexation: at most once a year, on the lease anniversary. It is never automatic: the landlord must ask in writing, backdated by 3 months at most. In Brussels and Flanders, a reduction still applies to some older leases for poorly insulated homes (low energy label).
Moving out (9-year lease): 3 months' notice at any time; during the first 3 years, compensation of 3, 2 or 1 month's rent. Short lease: 3 months' notice + 1 month's compensation (Flanders: 1.5 / 1 / 0.5 month depending on the year).
Who can help you for free?
- Brussels: Syndicat des Locataires (02 522 98 69), RBDH-BBRoW (02 502 84 63), FéBUL (02 201 03 60).
- Wallonia: SPW Info-Conseils Logement, 081 33 23 10 (in French), or freephone 1718.
- Flanders: Huurdersbond (membership €12-25 a year), your town's woonloket, 1700.
General information checked on 08/10/2026 on official websites (Federal Justice, Bar associations, Regions). It does not replace personal legal advice. Each region has its own tenancy rules: check those of your home. Letters to a Belgian landlord are best sent in French or Dutch.