Utilities &
moving-in costs
Once you've signed a lease or bought a home, there are a few practical costs and tasks to arrange before you can settle in. Setting up utilities and understanding the upfront costs involved can feel confusing at first, especially if you're doing it in a new language.
This guide explains how to set up your utilities and what extra costs to expect when moving in.
Overview
In Belgium, utilities are usually arranged separately from your rent or mortgage, and you'll often need to choose your own provider. On top of your monthly rent or mortgage, you should also budget for a rental deposit and some one-off costs when you move in.
Knowing what to expect in advance makes it easier to budget for your first few months.
Setting up utilities
You'll typically need to arrange the following utilities yourself:
- Electricity and gas — you can choose your own supplier and compare prices using the official government comparison tool, V-test (Energie vergelijken). You'll need to register the meter readings when you move in.
- Water — the drinking water supply in Flanders is public, not private. You cannot choose your own water company: it depends entirely on your municipality. The largest suppliers are De Watergroep and intermunicipal companies such as Farys, Water-link, and Pidpa. In most cases, you register your move-in date and meter reading directly with your local water company.
- Internet and TV — several providers offer combined packages, and you can compare them using Aanbieders.be. Keep in mind that in some regions only one provider is available, so you may not always have a choice. Contracts often run for a fixed period, so check the notice period before signing.
Other moving-in costs
Beyond the deposit, a few other costs are common when moving into a new home:
- An inventory report (plaatsbeschrijving), usually drawn up together with the landlord and sometimes an independent expert, to record the condition of the property
- Registration of your lease, which is a legal requirement and usually arranged by the landlord or agency
- First month's rent, often due on or before your move-in date
- Connection fees for utilities, depending on the provider
Good to know: always note the meter readings for electricity, gas, and water on the day you move in, and share them with the outgoing tenant or previous owner. This avoids being charged for energy you didn't use.
Sources
- Moving to Flanders — vlaanderen.be
- Housing— belgium.be
- Housing in Flanders — vlaanderen.be
- Energy price comparison (V-test)
- Telecom provider comparison — aanbieders.be
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