Forums » Belgium » Housing in Belgium

• rainey

  
   

  January 23, 2007 2:20:53 PM CET

  My spouse and I found a nice apartment in Jette.
  Go to give the ppwk today, and the lady tells us they are going to keep showing the place (we didn't give a deposit yet) b/c the landlord wants a profile of all interested lessees and he will pick the one he likes the most.
  
  I've been advised one cannot be turned down due to race or financial reasons. You could bring the proprietor/agency to court, although most don't b/c it is too costly.
  
  So my question is:
  
  Is what Jet'Immo (the agency working with the landlord) doing legal?
  If we get refused for this place, will they have to give us a reason?
  
  My spouse works for IBM via Randstad, and we have a third party (gainfully employed also) to co-sign for us, as I am a stay-at-home mom.
  
  I've never encountered anything like this in the States, so I figured I'd ask here.
  
  And the lady looked none to happy when we asked for her name:)
  
  Thanks
• jiska

  

  • 1 posts
   

  January 26, 2007 6:14:10 PM CET

  Sadly I think it is legal (but I may be wrong but doubt it) we rented when I first moved here 6 years ago and the same happened to us, we were told we'd be informed if the landlady thought we were suitable (my hubby is a belgian too with a good job) we didn't get the first couple of houses hubby went for, no reason was given for this we were just told eventually that the houses had been let. I think it just is how it is here
• maciamo

  
   

  February 14, 2007 9:53:01 PM CET

  Landlords or real estate agencies cannot refuse someone accommodation because of their race, but nothing prevent them to choose their favourite candidate if there is more than one person interested to rent the place. They can also refuse someone if they do not have the proper warranty, do not stay legally in the country, etc.