The 7 essential questions to ask before signing a rental agreement

Renting out a property may seem simple at first. But in reality, a poorly written or rushed rental agreement can lead to unpaid rent, legal disputes, or long and costly procedures.

As a landlord, it's crucial to ask the right questions before signing any lease contract. These help you protect your investment, ensure the tenant is reliable, and avoid future issues.

Here are the 7 essential questions to ask before signing a rental agreement.

1. Is the tenant financially reliable ?

This is the first and most important thing to check. You need to ensure the tenant has the means to pay the rent on time every month.

What to check:

• Monthly income (ideally 2.5 to 3 times the rent)

• Type of employment (permanent, temporary, student…)

• Payslips or proof of income

• A guarantor, if necessary (especially for students)

Why does it matter?A financially stable tenant is the key to a worry-free rental experience.

2. How will the property be used ?

This may sound like a simple question, but it has important legal consequences.

Will it be used as a main residence, a shared apartment, a company accommodation, or mixed-use?

Depending on the use, different rules apply: contract duration, notice periods, required documentation, etc.

At Mesh-home, we always tailor the rental agreement to the declared use to avoid legal risks.

3. Does the tenant fully understand their obligations ?

Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings:The tenant thinks charges include everything, or they don’t realize they must maintain the garden, or believe that repairs are always the landlord’s responsibility.

Before signing:

• Explain the main clauses of the contract

• Make sure the tenant understands what they will have to pay and maintain

• Share a complete draft of the contract before the final signature

An informed tenant = fewer problems.

4. Is the property fully compliant with legal requirements ?

Before you rent, ask yourself:

Is my property legally compliant and safe to occupy?

Things to check:

• Energy performance certificate (PEB) – mandatory in Belgium

• Electrical inspection certificate

• Smoke detectors installed

• General habitability (no damp, proper ventilation, secure access)

• Cistern or soil compliance, if applicable

Renting out a non-compliant property can lead to penalties or the contract being voided.

5. Who is responsible for what during the lease ?

It’s essential to clearly define responsibilities in the rental agreement to avoid confusion later.

Some points to cover:

• Routine maintenance: garden, boiler, cleaning, painting…

• Repairs: who handles what?

• Renovations: allowed or not? With or without your approval?

These terms should be written clearly in the contract.

6. What kind of security deposit should I request ?

The rental guarantee is your financial protection. It covers damages, unpaid rent, or legal fees at the end of the lease.

Common options:

• Blocked deposit account (usually 2 months' rent)

• Bank guarantee

• Rental insurance (optional but reassuring)

• Third-party guarantor (such as a parent or employer)

At Mesh-home, we help you choose the most appropriate option based on the tenant’s profile.

7. Is the lease correctly written and registered ?

And last but not least:

Is your lease legally valid in Wallonia, and will it be properly registered ?

Don’t forget:

• Use a written, customized lease – not a generic online template

• Include all mandatory clauses (duration, indexation, charges, PEB, etc.)

• Register the lease within 2 months, via MyMinfin or by post

A lease that is not registered = the tenant can legally terminate it at any time without notice.

In summary

Creating a solid rental agreement is more than just filling in a form — it’s about protecting your asset, income, and peace of mind.

At Mesh-home, we support landlords across Walloon Brabant and Hainaut with the drafting of clear, customized, and legally secure leases.Because renting a property should never be stressful.

📌 FAQ - Common questions landlords ask before signing a lease rental

Can I use a free rental contract from the internet ?

Not recommended. Many online templates don’t reflect current Walloon legislation. A poorly written lease can be challenged legally. It’s safer to use a professional version.

What if the tenant refuses to show payslips ?

That’s a red flag. You are legally entitled to verify a tenant’s solvency. Refusing to rent in this case is acceptable, as long as there’s no discrimination.

Do I always need to request a deposit ?

Yes. It’s your first line of protection against unpaid rent or damage. The form and amount must be clearly written in the lease.

Can I index the rent every year ?

Yes, but only if it’s specified in the contract and the property meets certain energy efficiency standards. Otherwise, indexation may be limited or forbidden.

How do I register the lease ?

You can register it for free via MyMinfin (online), or by visiting your local tax office. Registration is required and protects both parties.

Do both parties have to sign the lease in person ?

Not necessarily. You can sign digitally, as long as each party receives a dated, signed copy.

📞 Need help drafting a secure rental agreement ?

At Mesh-home, we’re here to help you:

• Verify the legal compliance of your property

• Choose the right guarantee

• Draft a tailored, solid, and secure rental contract

👉 Get in touch with us and rent your property with confidence in Walloon Brabant or Hainaut.inaut.