��������Ƶ

A Lodger Agreement is a legally binding contract between a homeowner and someone who rents a room in their home while the owner still lives there. Under Belgian housing law, this arrangement differs from a standard rental lease because the lodger shares common spaces like the kitchen or bathroom with the homeowner.

The agreement spells out key details like rent payments, house rules, and notice periods, protecting both parties' rights. Unlike traditional tenancy contracts in Belgium, lodger agreements offer more flexibility and fewer formal requirements, making them popular for students and young professionals in cities like Brussels and Antwerp. The homeowner maintains primary control of the property while generating extra income.

Use a Lodger Agreement when renting out a room in your home while continuing to live there yourself. This arrangement works perfectly for homeowners in Belgian cities looking to earn extra income from their spare rooms, especially when hosting students, young professionals, or temporary residents.

The agreement becomes essential when sharing common spaces like kitchens and bathrooms with your lodger. Belgian housing law treats lodger situations differently from standard tenancies, requiring less formal documentation. Having this agreement in place protects both parties by clearly defining payment terms, house rules, and notice periods - particularly important in shared living situations where boundaries need clear definition.

• Short-term Lodger Agreements: Typically used for stays under 3 months, offering more flexibility with notice periods and house rules
• Student Lodger Agreements: Tailored for academic terms, including specific clauses about study periods and holiday breaks
• Professional Lodger Agreements: Designed for working individuals, with provisions for home office use and quiet hours
• Shared Facilities Agreements: Detailed arrangements for kitchen, bathroom, and common area usage
• All-inclusive Agreements: Cover utilities, internet, and cleaning services in one fixed monthly payment

• Homeowners: Belgian residents who want to rent out rooms in their primary residence while continuing to live there
• Lodgers: Often students, young professionals, or temporary workers seeking flexible accommodation in Belgian cities
• Property Lawyers: Help draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Belgian housing regulations
• Real Estate Agents: Sometimes assist homeowners in finding suitable lodgers and setting up agreements
• Housing Associations: Provide guidance on fair terms and mediate disputes between homeowners and lodgers

• Property Details: Document the exact room location, shared spaces, and any included furniture or appliances
• Payment Terms: Determine monthly rent, deposit amount, and utility cost arrangements
• House Rules: List specific guidelines about guests, quiet hours, cleaning responsibilities, and common area usage
• Identity Verification: Collect proper identification and proof of income from potential lodgers
• Agreement Duration: Specify the length of stay and notice period requirements
• Legal Compliance: Ensure your agreement aligns with Belgian housing regulations and local municipality rules

• Party Information: Full names, addresses, and contact details of both homeowner and lodger
• Property Description: Detailed specification of the room and shared spaces covered by the agreement
• Financial Terms: Rent amount, payment schedule, deposit requirements, and utility cost arrangements
• Duration Clause: Start date, end date or notice period requirements under Belgian law
• House Rules: Clear guidelines on shared facilities usage, guests, noise, and maintenance responsibilities
• Termination Rights: Specific conditions for ending the agreement by either party
• Signatures: Dated signatures of both parties to make the agreement legally binding

A Lodger Agreement differs significantly from a Cohabitation Agreement, though both involve shared living arrangements. While a Lodger Agreement establishes a landlord-tenant relationship where the homeowner remains resident, a Cohabitation Agreement governs the living arrangements between partners or family members who share equal rights to the property.

• Legal Status: Lodger Agreements fall under Belgian rental law, while Cohabitation Agreements are governed by family law
• Property Rights: Lodgers have limited rights to specific rooms, while cohabitants usually share equal access to the entire property
• Financial Structure: Lodger Agreements focus on rent payments and deposits, while Cohabitation Agreements typically address shared household expenses and joint property ownership
• Termination Process: Lodger Agreements have simpler termination procedures, whereas Cohabitation Agreements often require more complex legal processes to dissolve