Finally leaving the parental nest or moving to Brussels or Ghent for professional reasons? Yay! How exciting... but also, what will it cost me? A small savings pot is reassuring, Jasper Paulissen, Upliving coach at Upliving - The Brewery in Brussels, knows. Have a look at his checklist of additional costs you have to take in account before renting an apartment in Brussels...
Rent Deposit
"The biggest bite out of your budget is your rent deposit, which in Brussels is legally 2 months rent. In Flanders it is legally 3 months. So you're stuck with an amount between € 1500 and € 3000. If everything goes well, that money will remain yours, but as long as your rental contract is running, it's tied up in a blocked bank account.
Professional place description
"Just like the deposit, a place description is mandatory," Jasper explains. "Upliving opts for a professional place description. We use an app to describe the condition of the apartment very accurately. For the incoming and outgoing topographical description together, you pay €302 at the start of your contract with Upliving. That's cheaper than our competitors, where you often pay €180 on entry and the same amount again on exit.
Furniture & Electronics
"Furniture, dishwashers and other appliances are an underestimated cost. Therefore, go look in thrift stores or aim for discards from relatives. Or even better, rent a partially furnished apartment. At Upliving, in addition to large wall cabinets, we even provide curtains, lighting and shared eco-washing machines. That will save you a lot of purchase costs! You'll have to come up with another reason to schedule an your trip to Ikea, though.
Fixed monthly contribution
There is often a fixed contribution charged on top of the rent. Be sure to ask what costs are covered by this, as it varies: water, gas, electricity, elevator maintenance...Did you know that an internet package is included with every Upliving apartment? So you don't have to take out an external contract. That saves you cash! Also the waste, the maintenance of the utilities and common parts and the maintenance of the elevator are included in the contribution.
Electricity bill
As in most rental apartments, as an Upliving resident you have to choose your own electricity supplier. Through the Smooved app, we can't guarantee the most advantageous rates, but we do guarantee the fairest quotes with realistic advance rates. This way you don't run the risk of suddenly having to pay several hundred euros extra after a year. Reckon on about €30 a month for your advance bill.
Tenant insurance
As a tenant you are obliged to take out tenants' liability insurance, better known as fire insurance. It also covers water, lightning or storm damage. You can also opt for additional household contents and theft insurance. The price of these insurances depends very much on the coverage, the risks and the broker. But I estimate a basic tenant insurance policy at an average of €100 to €150 per year.
Must Read: Rental apartment in Belgium? Think about your tenant insurance!
Taxes
"Yes, even as a tenant you do not escape the provincial and municipal taxes. For example, you contribute to the maintenance for streets, sewers, parks... The price is very location-specific. For a resident of Upliving Bxl - The Brewery I estimate this cost around € 100 per year", says Jasper.
"Yes, even as a tenant you do not escape the provincial and municipal taxes. For example, you contribute to the maintenance for streets, sewers, parks... The price is very location-specific. For a resident of Upliving Bxl - The Brewery I estimate this cost around € 100 per year", says Jasper.
Parking
"Your car also costs money when you don't ride it, they say! Parking in Brussels is quite expensive, on average 100 euros per month for a parking space. At Upliving you can safely park your car for € 75. Residents pay € 60 for a spot, or use our electric Upliving shared car. Or they ride our shared bikes for free."
Is your bank account ready to embark on this new phase of life? Hold your horses! First, find out what paperwork you need to get in order when you start living alone.
All set up for your new life as a young professional in Belgium?
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