Social housing

The Opens in new windowBrussels-Capital Region Housing Company (SLRB) is the regional administration responsible for social housing in Brussels (similar to HLM in France) and oversees the public service property companies (SISP). 

These Opens in new window16 SISPs (sometimes referred to as "centres" or "local companies") offer social, affordable or medium-priced housing, under certain conditions, to low-income individuals and households who are struggling to find housing in the 19 Brussels municipalities. 

Before you can become a social housing tenant, you must first register as a candidate tenant with a SISP. Due to high demand, selection is based on the seniority of the application and priority points that may be awarded due to specific circumstances. 

Opens in new windowSeveral conditions must be met, such as: 

• being at least 18 years old 
• not owning a property 
• not exceeding a certain income threshold 
• being registered in a Belgian municipality 

If this is the case, contact a SISP or the SLRB, to obtain a registration form either in person or by post.  You can then complete the form, attach the required documents and return it by registered post or by submitting it directly to a single SISP, that will manage your case. 

Your income will determine whether you qualify for social, affordable or medium-priced housing. If your income changes during the waiting period, you will be moved to the corresponding category. 

You must notify your SISP of any changes in your family composition or if you move within two months of the change. 

The SLRB website provides Opens in new windowall the necessary information about renting social housing in the Brussels-Capital Region. 

The Opens in new windowSocial Rental Agencies (AIS) manage the rental of properties primarily owned by private landlords, offering them at reduced rates to low-income households. They also provide temporary accommodation for homeless individuals. The AIS are recognised, approved and subsidised by the Brussels-Capital Region.  

AIS are designed to be a win-win situation for both tenants and landlords. 

• The tenant benefits from quality housing at an affordable rent and social support if needed. 
• For the property owner, the AIS handles all aspects of the rental management, ensuring a secure relationship with the tenant. In exchange for a rent that's lower than the market rate, landlords enjoy hassle-free management and numerous services and guarantees: assured rent payments, worry-free rental management, property maintenance, renovation assistance and grants, exemption from property tax, coverage of tenant-caused damage at the end of the lease, etc. 

Before you can become a tenant with an AIS, you must first register as a candidate tenant with one or more AIS. Each AIS operates independently, so registration procedures may vary. 

All AIS can manage property in any of the 19 municipalities. If you wish to live in a particular municipality or neighbourhood, you should inform the AIS when you register. 

The Opens in new windowadmission requirements are the same as those for social housing (unless there is a special exemption). For more information, contact an AIS to Opens in new windowapply as a tenant or Opens in new windowoffer a property as an landlord. 

The Opens in new windowHousing Fund of the Brussels-Capital Region builds, buys and renovates homes to rent to low-income households at a moderate rent.

Here are the main conditions:

• Your total taxable household income cannot exceed the specified income thresholds. These amounts are adjusted annually.
• No household member can hold a real right over a property (with a few exceptions).
• Your household must fully occupy the rented property. It must be your household's principal residence.

You can find all the conditions and the registration form on the 'Opens in new windowBecome a tenant of the Fund’ page on the Housing Fund website.

Please note that the waiting period for a Housing Fund rental home is currently estimated at 7 to 9 years!

The municipalities and PCSW (Public Centres for Social Welfare) can also rent out municipal housing, some of which is offered under "social" conditions, either directly or through a land management agency (régie foncière). 

To obtain municipal housing, the candidate tenant must meet certain criteria, depending on the municipality, such as a certificate of good conduct and demonstrating a sufficient income-to-rent ratio. 

A number of municipalities also offer housing-related grants (for renovation, property security, etc.).