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After receiving international protection, you will normally be asked to leave your reception center or accommodation provided by the reception system and find your own home. You normally have two months to find accommodation. If you have not found a home after two months, Fedasil may extend this period up to a maximum of four months.

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During this period, you can ask your social worker for help with finding accommodation and preparing your departure. Depending on your situation, you can also ask the CPAS/OCMW of your municipality for housing assistance. The CPAS/OCMW may, for example, help you look for accommodation or provide other forms of housing assistance. You may also stay with a friend, relative or another person who is willing to accommodate you. In this case, you must register your new address with the municipality and the relevant authorities.

Finding an independent home

As soon as you are recognised as a refugee or granted subsidiary protection in Belgium, you need to find your own studio, apartment or house.

Finding accommodation can be difficult, especially if you have limited income or receive financial assistance from the CPAS/OCMW. It is therefore important to use your personal network and start looking as soon as possible.

Before looking for accommodation, make sure that your documents are in order. To rent a home, you will generally need your electronic residence card (A card), a bank account and health insurance.

The following people and organisations may help you:

- Your personal network

Friends, acquaintances, colleagues and other trusted people may help you find accommodation.

- Volunteers and organisations

Some NGOs and non-profit organisations can provide support with finding accommodation.

- CPAS/OCMW and your social worker

The CPAS/OCMW can help you with your search and, depending on your situation, may provide housing assistance or financial support.

- Organisations supporting newcomers

You can also contact integration services and organisations specialised in supporting newcomers in Belgium.

The Private and Social Housing Markets

You can look for accommodation on the private housing market, for example through:

• an estate agency;
• specialised housing websites;
• your personal network;
• friends, acquaintances or volunteers.

You can also look for social housing, for example through a Social Rental Agency (AIS/ALS) or a social housing company. The conditions for accessing social housing vary depending on the region.

Websites to look for accommodation:

• Immoweb
• Immovlan
• Zimmo
• Realo
• Immoscoop

TIPS:

Before renting a home, check that it is in good condition:

• Is there enough space?
• Are there any signs of damp or mould?
• Is there water, heating and electricity?
• Is the accommodation safe for you and your family?
• Is the rent affordable for you? Fedasil recommends spending around one third of your income on rent and not spending more than half of your income on housing.
• Ask your social worker or a trusted person who knows Belgium well for advice.
• The landlord and you (the tenant) must sign a rental agreement.

The landlord may also ask for a rental deposit, generally equivalent to one to three months' rent. If you cannot pay it, you can ask the CPAS/OCMW whether it can help you with the deposit. Depending on the arrangement, you may have to repay the amount later.