Finding a kot in Belgium: practical guide
« Kot » is the Belgian word for a furnished student room, often in a dedicated house or building, with shared or private kitchen and sanitary. Student rental works differently from regular housing — here are the rules.
Kot, studio or coloc?
Individual furnished room. Kitchen, bathroom and toilet often shared between 4-8 occupants. The cheapest, the most social.
- Basic furniture included
- Charges often flat-rate
- Student lease 9 or 12 months
Independent dwelling, generally with private kitchenette and bathroom. More privacy but more expensive. Often a main-residence lease (3, 6 or 9 years).
- Everything private
- Not always furnished
- Actual charges + 2-month deposit
Apartment or house rented by several people. More convivial, attractive price per m². One common lease, or separate leases by room.
- Spacious common areas
- Coloc pact to sign between you
- Joint or individual deposit
Prices and platforms by city
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Student housing aids
Brussels
Wallonia
Flanders
The student lease: what to know
- Duration: generally 9 or 12 months, aligned with the academic year. The student lease is a special type, different from the main-residence lease (≥ 3 years).
- Deposit: maximum 2 months' rent if paid to a blocked account (3 months for direct rental guarantee).
- Entry and exit inventory: mandatory and signed by both parties. Dated photos if disagreement.
- Notice: very short — usually 1 month, to adapt to academic failure or Erasmus.
- Charges: flat-rate (electricity, water, heating, internet included) or actual with annual statement. Verify before signing.
- Tenant letter templates: termination, formal notice, deposit request — all applicable to students.
Calendar — act early