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.
🔌 Utilities & Essential Services
The landlord is responsible for managing and covering essential utility contracts for:
✔ Internet – The landlord arranges and maintains the internet service for the house.
✔ Gas, Water & Electricity – 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.
✔ Insurance – The landlord ensures that the property is insured against structural damage, fires, and major incidents. Personal belongings are not covered—roomies should get their own tenant insurance.
🛠️ Repairs & Maintenance
The landlord is responsible for structural repairs and major maintenance that are not caused by tenant misuse. This includes:
Category | Landlord’s 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 |
📌 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.
📜 Legal Requirements & Legislation
Landlord responsibilities are regulated by regional laws. If you’re renting in Flanders, Belgium, you can check the official legislation for more details:
If you’re 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.
📞 Communication & Documentation
To ensure transparency, roomies should:
✔ Communicate issues promptly → Report problems via Coloc Housing's support channels.
✔ Document repair requests → Keep records of messages, emails, or repair reports to avoid disputes.
✔ Follow up → If repairs are delayed, send reminders or escalate the issue through official channels.
⚖️ What If the Landlord Doesn’t Fulfill Their Responsibilities?
If you believe your landlord is neglecting legal responsibilities, you can:
🔹 Contact local housing authorities for guidance
🔹 Seek legal assistance if the issue remains unresolved