The Belgian government provides a tool to calculate an estimated rental price of your property, which can also help you determine if you’re paying too much rent. Adverts must include an accurate rent, otherwise the landlord can be fined. As a result, negotiating the rent is rare.
Very Few furnished apartments for long-term
Furnished properties are often used for serviced apartments. The rental can be long or short term and the service package usually includes insurance, wifi, cleaning services, and technical support.
These types of accommodation often mean less work for the tenants, as utilities etc are free. Also, any technical problems in the apartment are generally handled by the apartment/ Landlord's own technicians. Expats and business travellers often use these types of apartment for the convenience of move-in ready accommodation.
Another alternative is co-living spaces. Locations like Morton Place offer individual bedrooms and communal living spaces, such as kitchens and social areas.
Most Long-Term Properties Unfurnished
Long-term residential apartments are typically rented unfurnished, often without carpets, curtains, white goods or light fittings. The incoming tenant may be able to purchase some items from the outgoing tenant by negotiating with them directly. The property must be returned in the state described in the inventory, which typically means empty with neutral décor or with agreed improvements. The tenant should keep any documentation relating to improvements or repairs safe to prove they have done the required maintenance.
On facebook : BXL A LOUER - bouche à oreilles.
The free French-language weekly newspaper Vlan Immo has an extensive listing of properties in Brussels. It is distributed throughout Brussels. An extended edition is sold in Brussels newsagents on Saturday.
Staff of the European institutions can consult a housing forum on their Intranet.
Inexpensive short-term accommodation eg for trainees at www.bnb.brussels , www.hostelsinbrussels.be, www.xpats.com and www.etr-brussels.be
Flatshares on Appartager.be
Searching with a specific estate agent
This service is free for tenants and paying for landlords. A list with recognised estate agents can be found at www.biv.be, the website of the Professional Institute of Estate Agents. Real estate agents often focus on narrow geographical areas. An agent should not request money to let you view a property. If you hire a search agent, however there is a fee incurred which is typically between €250 and one month’s rent.
Shared Living
Morton Place
Morton Place offer shared homes for internationals both long and short-term. C0-living is their alternative to serviced apartments or AirBnB
Prices vary but a long-term room was listed for 850 inclusive in May 2020
3 locations but contact them direct for availability - their website is not up to date: https://www.mortonplace.be/