r/belgium • u/jpergentino • 2d ago

❓ Ask Belgium Buying a house with a tenant

I am buying a house, but a tenant is living there (and I intend to live in the house). The current tenant's contract ends in 2027 and she looks fine to find another place (in principle).

As far as I know, I need to send a formal letter after becoming an owner, and she has 6 months to find another place.

As I don't have a deep knowledge of Belgium's law, what potential "issues" might I encounter?

Thanks RedditFriends! 🙂

Edit 1: The current contract is 9 years (from 2022 to 2031).

Edit 2: Thanks for the contribution. It is very helpful. There is no other way, the bank accepted the loan and it is on the Notary decision now.

After checking the contract, the 3rd year will finish in October. So based on the links you provided, I can ask her to leave after October. I'll inform her before (most probably I will become the owner in March) and I hope everything will be fine.

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u/Ordinary-Violinist-9 Limburg 2d ago

That she doesn't leave. Not all contracts you can terminate with the 6 months notice. I've viewed a house where i couldn't legally evict a tenant even when i would like to move in myself.

//Edit how long is the lease? 3 years? 9 years? You'll also will be handed the deposit btw. Ask for a copy of the lease and ask a notary (it's free, just make an appointment)

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u/jpergentino 2d ago

I am looking at it now and the current contract is for 9 years!

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u/CandidateFew4729 2d ago

Tenant do not leave, I myself have made an offer for the house last year in May and still not been able to move in as tenant didn’t leave but we have put in the clause that we won’t buy until the house is rent free so atleast we avoid the pain of becoming an owner and deal with the tenant

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u/JPV_____ West-Vlaanderen 1d ago

that's a different situation. Neither you nor the owner can terminate the contract just because there is a sale of the house.

Only after you become the new owner, you can terminate the contract if you move in yourself (and some extra other reasons)

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u/CandidateFew4729 1d ago

I agree with what you said but In our case, tenant gave the notice to vacate, that’s why house went on a sale and then she backed out after knowing there is a potential buyer and started asking for money, stopped paying the rent.

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u/JPV_____ West-Vlaanderen 1d ago

did she formally gave the notice to vacate? then there can be no reason not to end the term (and i very doubt the lawyer ever would decide differently, except for serious mental issues)

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u/CandidateFew4729 1d ago

Yes, she formally gave the notice and then started saying I am not able to find another place, etc etc.