Rental prices in Belgium are high, although they do vary by region of the country. To rent a furnished house in the Brussels area you are likely to have to pay at least EUR1000 per month. If staying in the country for a significant length of time, it may be more cost-effective to buy a property there, as purchase prices are reasonable, particularly outside Brussels.

The Belgium rental market is heavily regulated and rent levels are fixed by the state for the entire duration of the lease. You can take out a lease for either three or nine years, and it is reportedly often better to opt for the 9-year lease since this is in practice more flexible than the 3-year lease, if you need to leave the property before the lease expires.

Under the 3-year lease you can be required by law to pay rent for the whole period, but under the 9-year lease you can only be asked to make an indemnity payment of up to 3 months' rent if you leave during the first three years, and no additional payment if you leave after three years. Under the 9-year lease the landlord can only ask you to leave either at the end of the third year or the sixth year of occupation, if they are going to occupy the property themselves or if major renovation work is required, and they have to pay compensation to the tenant of up to nine months' rent depending on length of occupation.

You will normally be asked to pay a deposit of up to two months' rent, which is reimbursed by the landlord when you leave, after deducting the amount necessary to repair any damages. Belgian landlords reportedly typically pay great attention to checking the property in detail and finding reasons to retain at least part of the deposit. It is therefore advisable to ensure that the inventory of contents is comprehensive and that any minor existing damage to the decor or furniture is fully documented when you move in.

If you rent an apartment you are likely to have to pay a regular service charge for communal services, along with the rent.

Added 3/1/06 by Cindy - There is no difference between a 3 year contract and a 9 year contract. To be more specific, they are the same. The contract is named 3/6/9 and is THE official renting contract in Belgium. It means that you actualy rent a place for 9 years (to protect the person who is renting). But you are allowed to leave earlier then that. If you leave during the 1st year you have to pay a 3 month fine. If you leave during the 2nd year you have to pay a 2 month fine. If you leave during the 3rd year you have to pay a 1 month fine. After that there are no more fines. The only catch is that you have to cancel your contract at least 3 months in advance. You have to watch out with renting contracts, but you are legally protected. If you ever sign a contract and there is a paragraph that is illegal according to Belgian law, that part of the contract will be annulled.