Living: Searching for Housing
LIVING IN BELGIUM. FINDING HOUSING
Are you coming to work in Belgium? Then it is important to find housing. Sometimes the employer provides a place; sometimes you have to find accommodation yourself.
1. My employer arranges my housing
It is easier for you if your employer also arranges your accommodation. Then you don’t have to look for it yourself. That saves a lot of stress.
Consider the following things:
Am I not paying too much?
There are no fixed rules about rental prices and everything obviously depends on the balance between price and quality. But if, for example, you have to pay €800 for a mattress in a shared bedroom, that is already too much.
Through the houseshorter website, you can get an indicative price. Based on the property features, you receive an indicative price. This way you know if you are paying a fair rent. This is only aimed at houses and apartments, not rooms.
Do I have a separate rental and employment contract?
In most cases, it is better to have a separate rental and employment contract. This way you are less dependent on your employer. And you prevent losing your home, for example, if you stop working. This reduces the chance of exploitation and gives you more security and protection.
2. I look for housing myself
Inquire with local contacts, explore residential neighborhoods by car, bike or on foot, and watch out for signs with ‘for rent’. In the meantime, you can also stay temporarily in tourist accommodations such as a hotel, B&B, or holiday home, although the cost often rises quickly.
Temporary accommodation in hotels
Have you just arrived in Belgium for work and don’t have permanent housing yet? Then you can stay temporarily in tourist accommodations such as a hotel, B&B, or holiday home.
This form of housing is intended as a temporary solution. Especially during the first weeks (up to a maximum of 3 months after arrival). It is important that the stay is safe, comfortable, and legally compliant.
Looking for a home through a real estate agency
A real estate or property agency assists people in buying, selling, renting, or leasing houses, apartments, and studios. They support you throughout the entire process: from giving advice and organizing viewings to drawing up contracts and handling all related administration.
You can also search online with private providers. One of these websites is 2dehands.be.
BROCHURE. Publication Ziezo
The brochure ‘Here you go... Handy for tenants’ explains the rules regarding maintenance and repairs of rental homes.
This is also a particularly useful publication for landlords.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE HOUSING COUNTER. Do you have a question or would you like to file a complaint?
At the housing desk of the City of Genk, you can report a housing problem or file a complaint.
→ Discrimination in the rental market:
✓ Victim or witness?
→ Problematic housing situation:
✓ Housing quality / rent complaint
✓ Neglected property
✓ Vacant property
✓ Polluted property
