Apply for rent subsidies? If you live in Flanders and will soon be moving to another rental property, you may be entitled to rent subsidies. Find out here how you can and if you meet the requirements.
What is a rent subsidy?
With a rent subsidy, the government accommodates people with modest incomes. They pay you back part of the rent. This makes it easier to rent a home with a low income.
What amount will I receive with a rent subsidy?
You will receive monthly 75% of the maximum rent less 1/55 of your income on an annual basis. The latter part is therefore an own contribution and is calculated on the basis of joint income. The amount you eventually receive is a maximum of €157.87 and is supplemented by an additional €26.31 per dependent person (up to four people). In some municipalities or cities (such as Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven and their surrounding municipalities) that amount is even higher, namely €173.66 and an additional €28.94 per dependent person.
What conditions must I meet for a rent subsidy?
- Moving to a social housing office (SVK) property, or
- Moving from a home that is unsuitable for your age or disability to a proper and adapted rental home, or
- Moving into housing after you were homeless.
When you submit your application, you must meet some other conditions to be entitled to the rent subsidy:
- Your family’s total income when you apply in 2022 must not exceed
– €25,850 (single person – no one dependent)
– €28,015 (single person with disability)
– €38,773 (all other cases) + €2,167 per dependent person
- From three years prior to application, you must not have been an owner or usufructuary of a property.
- The rent of your new home may not exceed €639.78 (self-contained) or €511.82 (room). An additional 20% is added per dependent person, with a maximum of 50%.
How to apply for a rent subsidy?
You can apply for a rent subsidy after you move and you have up to nine months to do so. The form you must fill in is called “application form for a rent subsidy” and can be found both online and at the OCMW or housing store in your neighborhood. If you are over 65 and/or severely disabled, you must also enclose a medical certificate signed by your doctor with your application. Still have questions? You can find more information and the most up-to-date figures on the Flanders website . Planning to rent something?
Then check carefully that all the necessary information is included in your lease.