Jammed Between Housing and Property Rights: Belgian Private Renting in Perspective

In contrast to many other Western countries, the private rented sector is still of major importance in Belgium. On average its market share is around 28 per cent, increasing to 50 per cent or more in the major cities. Moreover, unlike many other countries, private renting is not subject to tight rent controls. On the contrary, rents are generally set freely and tenure security regulations are weak. This article summarizes the development of housing policy in Belgium in general and the legislation governing the private rented sector in particular. It then presents a profile of the private rented sector, including its tenant, landlords and dwellings. It goes on to review critically the existing legal framework that governs the sector and highlights the main problems that arise from this framework.