Glossary
B
Boiler
A device used to heat and store domestic hot water (for showering, washing dishes, etc.). Regular maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns and risks.
Bleeding (a radiator)
The action of releasing trapped air from a radiator so that hot water can circulate properly and it heats more effectively.
Brussels Housing Code
A set of rules that define the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in Brussels, to ensure housing that is safe, clean, and suitable for living.
Binding measure
A measure that bothers and obliges.
C
Compliance
A term used to indicate that an object, device, or installation meets the applicable standards and regulations.
Common Areas
Parts of the building accessible to all residents: hallways, staircases, basements, entrance halls, or laundry rooms. Everyone must respect them and keep them clean.
Condensation
This is when water vapour in the air turns into droplets upon contact with a cold surface (such as a window or a wall). This often occurs in poorly ventilated rooms.
Certificate of Compliance
An official document issued after a technical inspection, proving that a device (such as a boiler) complies with safety regulations.
D
DIRL (Direction de l’inspection régionale du logement)
A public service responsible for checking that housing complies with health and safety regulations, and for intervening in the event of problems.
Decent housing
Healthy, safe and comfortable housing, with functional facilities such as heating and electricity, free from excessive humidity and pests.
E
expertise
Intervention by a qualified professional (often an expert) who assesses a problem, such as damage or litigation, and provides an objective report.
Electrical installation
All the cables, sockets, switches and appliances used to supply electricity to a dwelling, which must comply with safety standards.
H
Homologated
Apparatus tested and validated to official standards. You can use them with confidence, because their safety has been verified.
Habitability
The set of minimum conditions that make a home healthy and habitable: ventilation, heating, electricity, absence of excessive humidity, etc.
I
Infiltration
A water or moisture infiltration occurs when water slowly and unobtrusively enters a place where it shouldn’t be, such as inside the walls, ceiling or floor of a building. This can happen because of rain, a leak, or a waterproofing problem. Over time, this can cause damage such as stains, mold, or even weaken the structure of the building.
Intrusion
Entrances or visits to a dwelling without the tenant’s permission, which constitutes a violation of privacy.
J
Judge of the peace
A person working in a court of law who helps resolve small disputes, particularly between tenants and landlords.
L
L’arrêté du gouvernement de la région de bruxelles-capitale
A decree is an official text that lays down rules established by a public authority. The Decree of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region defines the standards to be met in housing, including minimum health and safety conditions.
M
Mediation
This is a way of coming to an agreement. The mediator will try to find a compromise or negotiation between the different people present who have a conflict.
Molds
These are microscopic fungi that appear as spots (often black or green) due to humidity. They can damage surfaces and harm health.
N
Non-tight
This means that an element (such as a wall, roof or window) does not properly retain water or air. It lets moisture or draughts through.
Non-Profit Association (ASBL)
A non-profit organization, often created to support or advise people in their efforts, such as tenants.
P
Pests
Small undesirable animals or insects that can cause problems in a dwelling, for example mice, cockroaches, pigeons or rats.
R
Rental Agreement (or Lease Contract)
An oral or written and signed document between the landlord and the tenant for an unfurnished or furnished dwelling. It is mandatory. The lease defines the relationship between landlord and tenant: description of the property, duration of the contract, amount of rent excluding charges, amount of utilities…
Rental guarantee
A sum of money paid by the tenant to the landlord at the start of the tenancy, used to cover any damage or unpaid rent. Since 2024, it has been limited to two months’ rent.
Request
Name given to a complaint filed with a Judge of peace
Registered Letter
A letter sent with acknowledgment of receipt, serving as proof that the recipient has received the mail. This process costs around €10.
Rising humidity
This is when water from the ground rises into the walls, rather like a sponge sucking water upwards. This makes the walls damp from the bottom up.
Reasonable timeframe
A fair and sufficient period of time to carry out an action, neither too short nor too long. For example, a landlord should notify his tenant at least 24 to 48 hours before a visit.
S
Social Unit
A group of people who provide assistance to others (e.g., social workers).
sealing
The ability of a material or construction to prevent water, air or moisture from passing through. A good seal protects the home against infiltration.
Scaling
Operation that removes accumulated limescale from appliances (such as boilers), in order to prolong their life and proper operation.
Sanitary Facilities
Hygiene-related equipment in a home, such as toilets, sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
Swept
When chimney or smoke evacuation ducts have been cleaned to ensure proper airflow and to prevent fires or poisoning.
Structural failures
Dysfunctions linked to natural wear and tear of equipment or its age (e.g. cracked pipes, boiler at end of life).
Surroundings
Outdoor areas around the building, such as gardens, sidewalks, entrances, or courtyards. Their good condition is essential for the safety and appearance of the place.
T
Termination of Lease
The end of a rental agreement before its scheduled expiry. It can be initiated by either the tenant or the landlord, under certain conditions.
W
Wear and Tear
The condition of equipment that has become faulty or less effective over time (e.g., a rusty radiator). It is not due to misuse.