Your landlord plays a key role in ensuring a safe, functional, and legally compliant living environment. Below is a breakdown of what they are responsible for.
๐ Utilities & Essential Services
The landlord is responsible for managing and covering essential utility contracts for:
โ Internet โ The landlord arranges and maintains the internet service for the house.
โ Gas, Water & Electricity โ Contracts for these utilities are handled by the landlord. However, if the actual usage exceeds the estimated charges, monthly charges may be adjusted based on recalculations.
โ Insurance โ The landlord ensures that the property is insured against structural damage, fires, and major incidents. Personal belongings are not coveredโroomies should get their own tenant insurance.
๐ ๏ธ Repairs & Maintenance
The landlord is responsible for structural repairs and major maintenance that are not caused by tenant misuse. This includes:
Category | Landlordโs Responsibility |
Structural Repairs | Fixing walls, ceilings, floors, and major foundation issues |
Plumbing | Fixing leaks, pipe bursts, and major drainage problems |
Electrical Issues | Maintaining wiring, circuits, and major electrical systems |
Heating & Cooling | Annual maintenance of heating systems, boiler checks, and major repairs |
Household Appliances | Replacing faulty washing machines, dryers, or dishwashers due to normal wear |
Common Area Repairs | Fixing major damages to shared living spaces |
๐ Important:
If an issue results from normal wear and tear, the landlord must handle the repair.
If damage is due to tenant misuse, roomies are responsible for repairs.
๐ Legal Requirements & Legislation
Landlord responsibilities are regulated by regional laws. If youโre renting in Flanders, Belgium, you can check the official legislation for more details:
If youโre renting in Brussels, Belgium, you can check the official legislation for more details:
This legislation protects both tenants and landlords, ensuring fair treatment under Belgian rental laws.
๐ Communication & Documentation
To ensure transparency, roomies should:
โ Communicate issues promptly โ Report problems via Coloc Housing's support channels.
โ Document repair requests โ Keep records of messages, emails, or repair reports to avoid disputes.
โ Follow up โ If repairs are delayed, send reminders or escalate the issue through official channels.
โ๏ธ What If the Landlord Doesnโt Fulfill Their Responsibilities?
If you believe your landlord is neglecting legal responsibilities, you can:
๐น Contact local housing authorities for guidance
๐น Seek legal assistance if the issue remains unresolved