Signature of the lease, documents

Signature of lease, compulsory documents

When it's time to sign the lease, the tenant must provide the owner-landlord with certain compulsory documents. These documents will allow the owner-landlord to confirm the tenant’s identity and solvency.

Compulsory documents include:

• Identification card or passport

• Last three pay slips

• Proof of employment (work contract or employer’s declaration)

• Last tax assessment

It’s not uncommon for the owner-landlord, or the rental agency acting on their behalf, to require another person stand surety for the tenant and guarantee payment of rent in case the tenant runs into financial hardship. Certain documents concerning this other person are also compulsory: piece of identification, proof of address, proof of income…

Signature of lease, non-compulsory documents

In other words, when it's time to sign the lease, certain documents are not required. The tenant can refuse to provide them by virtue of article 22-2 of the Act of 6 July 1989.
Non-compulsory documents:

• photograph (in addition to the one on the piece of identity)

• social insurance card

• proof of good account standing at the bank (bank statement, certificate showing no outstanding credit, etc.)

• cheque to reserve the rental

• adeclaration of work from the employer if the tenant provides a copy of their last three pay slips

• police clearance

• medical record

• marriage contract