Cost sharing in location descriptions: What Belgian tenants need to know
The cost distribution for location descriptions varies greatly from situation to situation, with the legal 50/50 rule often not true and tenants are sometimes unexpectedly presented with the full invoice. Digital alternatives can reduce these costs by up to 80%, but many tenants don't know their rights and options. This guide explains exactly when you have to contribute, how much it may cost and how you can make smart savings without running legal risks.
What you'll learn in this article
- The legal rules for sharing costs by region
- When the 50/50 rule does and does not apply
- Concrete amounts and competitive rates
- Digital alternatives that save up to €200
The legal framework
Your rights as a tenant
Basic federal rules versus regional legislation
- Until 2019: Federal 50/50 Rule
- Since 2019: three regional systems
General principles
- Legally required, so costs are logically shared
- Exceptions depending on the region
When do you pay nothing?
- Landlord unilaterally appoints expert without agreement
- Contradictory (joint) location description
- You appoint an expert yourself if the landlord refuses
When do you pay for everything?
- You refuse to attend a joint location description
- You request unjustified changes afterwards
- You demand a second expert without good reason
Regional differences
Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels
Flanders: clear rules since 2024
50/50 split when:
- Jointly appointed expert
- Incoming location description within a period
- Retiring at normal contract termination
Target prices according to case law:
- Studio/1 bedroom: €150—250
- 2—3 bedrooms: €250—400
- House/large apartment: €350—600
Right to choose:
You may suggest contradictory location. The landlord must motivate in case of refusal.
Wallonia: protection via maximum percentages
2% rule:
Maximum cost = 2% of monthly rent per lot
(€800 rent → max €16 per lot)
Consequences:
Professional job description is often unattainable. Digital alternatives on the rise.
Brussels: strict 50/50 with no exceptions
- Always 50/50, regardless of initiative
- Contract deviations are invalid
- Protection against abuse through invoice control
Market prices
What do you really pay?
Traditional expertise: the expensive option
Studio/Room:
- Total cost: €150—300
- Your share: €75—150
Apartment:
- Total cost: €250—500
- Your share: €125—250
House/large apartment:
- Total cost: €400—800
- Your share: €200—400
Extra costs:
- Displacement: €0.50—1/km
- Weekend: +25— 50%
- Speed: +50%
- Second visit: €50—100
Digital alternatives
The smart choice
Set up digitally yourself
- Platform access: €25—35
- No travel costs
- Up to 90% savings
Digital Expert Service
- Expert with tablet: €100—200 flat fee
- Direct report and e-signature
- 40— 60% savings
Hybrid model
- Self-preparation via app
- Expert validates on site
- Cost: €75—150
- Savings: 50— 70%
Avoiding hidden costs
Watch out for:
- Administration costs: Often unfairly (€25—50)
- Photo costs: Must be included
- VAT: Check including/excluding 21%
- Cancellation <24 hours: Often charged 50— 100%
Practical tips
Minimizing your costs
Strategy 1: contradictory route
- Use free templates and checklists
- Document with smartphone and voice notes
- Legal certainty via digital copies
Strategy 2: Negotiating Expert Fees
- Combine location descriptions with other properties
- Book outside peak times
- Request multiple quotes
- Negotiate posts and group discounts
Strategy 3: digital first, expert later
- Step 1: Document everything yourself (€25)
- Step 2: Expert validates (€75—100)
- Total savings: 60— 70%
Your rights in the event of a dispute
When can you refuse to pay?
- No prior agreement
- Unreasonable rates
- Double or vague billing
Legal action
In case of disagreement:
- Protest in writing: within 14 days
- Suggest mediation: tenants' union
- Justice of the Peace: last resort
Digital revolution
Why switch now?
The numbers
Traditionally in 2020:
- Average cost: €350 total
- Your share: €175
- Expert waiting time: 2-3 weeks
- Paper report: 10-15 pages
Digital in 2025:
- Platform costs: €25-50 total
- Your share: €12.50-25
- Immediately available
- Digital report: unlimited photos
Savings: €150-250 per site description
Extra benefits
For tenants:
- Always access to documents
- No discussions about loss
- Stronger evidence upon exit
Time savings:
- Flexible, no waiting time, no paper
Environmentally friendly:
- No paper, no transport, forward-looking
FAQs
Can the landlord choose an expert without consultation?
No, you must agree to an expert and a price.
What if I'm a student?
Check student organizations or legal help. Many tools offer discounts.
Can I deduct the costs from taxes?
No, unless covered by insurance in case of damage.
Do I have to contribute to becoming an expert friend?
No, you have the right to an independent expert.
And with furnished rentals?
Charge 30— 50% more costs. Digital inventory via bar codes can save time.
Conclusion
Smart choices save hundreds of euros
The 50/50 rule only applies to jointly appointed experts. In other cases, you have room for negotiation or the right to refuse.
Digital tools make professional placements accessible, affordable and legally strong.
An investment of €25 can save you up to €200.
