Regulation in Flanders.
Registration requirements, local rules, insurance and tax: what needs to be in order before you rent out.
Published: July 2026 · SÉJO
The basics: the Flemish accommodation decree
Anyone renting out tourist accommodation in Flanders — on any platform — must register with Toerisme Vlaanderen. The accommodation decree (logiesdecreet) also sets basic standards around fire safety and insurance. Registration isn't a heavy procedure, but it is mandatory and enforced.
Local rules differ
On top of the Flemish rules, cities and municipalities apply their own provisions. Ghent sets additional conditions for tourist rentals, and coastal municipalities and Bruges each have their own framework. What's straightforward in one municipality may require a permit or planning check in another — always verify your specific municipality's rules before starting.
Insurance and tax
A standard fire insurance policy doesn't always cover tourist rental; notify your insurer of the use. Short-term rental income also has a tax side — get advice from an accountant who knows the distinction between movable, immovable and miscellaneous income under Belgian law.
How SÉJO helps
We guide owners through registration under the accommodation decree and review which local rules apply to your property, so your rental is compliant from day one. No surprises — and no letters from the municipality.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Regulations change; always check the current rules of Toerisme Vlaanderen and your municipality.