Rental guarantee
Security deposit paid by the tenant to cover potential damages or unpaid rent.
Full definition
The rental guarantee is a sum paid by the tenant at the start of the lease to protect the landlord against rental damages or unpaid rent. In Belgium, for primary residence leases, the guarantee is regulated by the regions. In Wallonia and Brussels, it is limited to 2 months' rent and must be placed in an individualized blocked account in the tenant's name at a financial institution. In Flanders, the limit is 3 months' rent. Alternatives include: bank guarantee (the bank stands surety) or guarantee via the CPAS/OCMW for tenants in financial difficulty. Release of the guarantee at lease end requires agreement of both parties or a court decision. The entry and exit inventory of fixtures serves as the basis for evaluating any withholdings.