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Gas and electricity: what are the obligations of the tenant?

The rights and obligations of the tenant and the owner, with respect to electricity and gas installations, are diverse and varied. The general principle is that normal wear and tear is at the expense of the tenant, but the cost of breakdown is borne by the owner.

Because prevention is better than cure, knowing the list of your main rights and responsibilities will help you avoid a possible conflict and, in the worst-case scenario, find yourself in court.

Did you know? A non-exhaustive list of work the tenant or owner of the property is responsible for (in French) is available on the Moniteur belge website.

What should I do with the electricity and gas when I move in?

Start by taking out a new electricity and/or gas plan with the energy supplier of your choice. If energy bills are included in your rent be aware that you expose yourself to two risks:

  • If your landlord doesn’t pay the energy bills on time, you risk your gas and/or electricity supply being cut off overnight
  • There is no guarantee that you will benefit from the cheapest gas and electricity price on offer on the market.

Don’t forget that shopping around, comparing prices and selecting the offer that suits you best will save you money on your energy bill.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a tenant?

Ensure that the room where the meters are located is accessible and well-ventilated; regularly service your gas boiler; check your electric water heater periodically; bleed your radiators... What should you pay attention to during your tenancy?

See the (non-exhaustive) list of your rights and obligations:

In what type of room should my meters be located?

  • Keep the room dry and well ventilated.
  • Keep the room clean and the meter dials readable.
  • The meters must be free and easily accessible.
  • In the event of a problem (damage, floods...), you must inform your landlord.

How do I look after my gas boiler?

  • Complete the periodic inspection (mandatory every two years in Brussels), done at your own expense by a gas technician authorised by Bruxelles-Environnement.
  • At this time the technician will also service the boiler.
  • When changing gas supply, ask if the boiler is compatible and inform the owner who will have to make any necessary modifications.
  • The technician will give you a certificate that you must send a copy of to the owner.
  • If a boiler repair is necessary you must let the owner know as your landlord will have to pay for this service.

How do I look after my gas-fired water heater?

  • Complete the periodic inspection (mandatory every two years in Brussels), done at your own expense by a gas technician authorised by Bruxelles-Environnement..
  • When changing gas supply, ask if the heater is compatible and inform the owner who will have to make any necessary modifications.

How do I look after my chimney?

  • When checking the boiler, the technician will also check (and clean if necessary) the chimney.
  • Don’t forget to have your chimney swept every year if you use the fireplace for heating, even if it is an extra heat source.

How do I look after my heating system?

  • During operation, protect your heating system against frost.
  • Follow the operating instructions of the boiler, electric boiler or gas water heater manufacturer.
  • Heat the house sufficiently to ensure it is well maintained.

How do I look after my radiators?

  • Regularly bleed the radiators.

How do I service my electrical system?

  • No specific obligation is required other than to report any problems or breakdowns to the owner.
  • Don’t overload the electrical system.
  • If you install any additional pipes they must comply with the regulations.

What do I do with light bulbs, electrical sockets, lamp sockets or switches?

  • Replace light bulbs, electrical sockets, switches or lamp sockets that break or become damaged during use at your expense.

How do I service electrical appliances provided by the owner?

  • If you have electrical equipment in your rental contract, you must use and service it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Descaling an electric boiler or doing maintenance (seals, filters...) on an air conditioning or mechanical ventilation unit, for example, is at the expense of the tenant.

What do I do with the electricity and gas when I move out?

Ask the new tenant to sign a form taking over the energy supply. This energy transfer document must be completed when a new occupier takes over the electricity and/or natural gas supplying a property.

If neither the owner nor the new occupier agrees to sign this document, contact your distribution network operator (DNO) and make a request to close the meter (completely free). This will prevent you from being charged for later consumption of gas or electricity.

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