In Flanders, specific rules apply to the termination fee for a long-term lease, also known as a 9-year lease (9-jarig huurcontract). The fee depends on how many years the tenant has already lived in the property. To prevent tenants from entering into and ending leases at will, and so to give the landlord some guarantee regarding the length of the agreement, the law provides that the landlord is entitled to compensation if the tenant ends the lease during the first three years.

This compensation amounts to:

  • Three months’ rent if the lease ends during the first year as a result of the notice;
  • Two months’ rent if the lease ends during the second year;
  • One month’s rent if the lease ends during the third year as a result of the notice.

If the lease ends after the third year, no compensation is due for terminating the lease.

Please note: special rules apply if a lease for a main residence has not been registered (on time).

As a reminder: the tenant must always give notice in writing by registered post and must observe a notice period of 3 months.