Yes, serviced apartments in Belgium typically include wifi and television as standard amenities. These connectivity features are considered core to the serviced apartment concept, which is built around providing a ready-to-live-in home without the need to arrange separate subscriptions or contracts. The sections below cover what else is usually included, how services can be tailored, and what distinguishes serviced apartments from standard furnished rentals.
What utilities and services are typically bundled in a serviced apartment?
A serviced apartment in Belgium generally bundles a broad range of utilities and household services into a single monthly arrangement, so tenants do not need to set up or manage individual contracts. The exact package varies by provider and property, but the core bundle often covers the following:
- High-speed wifi and digital television with international channels
- Electricity, water, and heating costs (often included or charged as a fixed provision)
- Regular cleaning service and linen and towel replacement
- Technical maintenance for minor repairs such as replacing light bulbs or fixing household appliances
- Building security, typically including access control systems
- Parking, depending on the property
The defining characteristic of this model is simplicity. Rather than receiving separate bills from an energy provider, a telecom company, and a cleaning service, tenants typically receive one consolidated monthly invoice. This approach is particularly valuable for international professionals who arrive in Belgium for a fixed assignment and want to focus on their work rather than administrative logistics.
It is worth noting that the precise scope of what is included can differ between properties and providers. Always verify the full list of bundled services before signing a rental agreement.
Is wifi always included in a serviced apartment in Belgium?
High-speed wifi is included in the vast majority of serviced apartments in Belgium and is widely considered a non-negotiable standard for this type of housing. For international professionals, reliable internet connectivity is a practical necessity from day one, and reputable serviced apartment providers treat it as a baseline rather than an optional add-on.
That said, “always” is a strong word in any market. A small number of providers or older properties may handle internet differently, for instance by offering it as an optional service or by asking tenants to arrange their own connection. This is more the exception than the rule in the current serviced apartment segment, but it is a detail worth confirming upfront.
When evaluating a serviced apartment, it is reasonable to ask specifically about connection speed and whether the wifi covers the entire unit. For professionals who work remotely or attend frequent video calls, connection quality matters as much as whether wifi is included at all.
What type of television service do serviced apartments offer?
Serviced apartments in Belgium typically provide digital television with access to a range of international channels. This is particularly relevant for expats and international professionals who want to stay connected to news and programming from their home country or in their preferred language.
Digital TV in a Belgian serviced apartment usually means access to standard Belgian channels alongside a selection of international or multilingual options. The exact channel lineup depends on the provider and the television package included in the apartment. Some properties offer a broader international package as part of their standard service, while others may provide a more basic selection.
Unlike in a hotel, where the television setup is fixed and uniform across rooms, a serviced apartment is a longer-term home. This means the television service is generally more comparable to what a resident would have in a private home, rather than a stripped-back hospitality setup. If access to specific channels or streaming services is important to you, it is worth asking about this before committing to a rental.
What’s the difference between a serviced apartment and a furnished apartment in Belgium?
The key distinction is that a furnished apartment provides physical furniture and fittings, while a serviced apartment adds an ongoing layer of services and support on top of that furniture. Both come with beds, sofas, kitchen equipment, and other essentials, but the serviced apartment model goes further by including utilities, maintenance, cleaning, and connectivity as part of the rental arrangement.
In practical terms, renting a furnished apartment in Belgium typically means you still need to arrange your own internet connection, set up utility contracts, organise cleaning, and manage minor repairs yourself. A serviced apartment removes most or all of those tasks from your to-do list.
The difference becomes especially significant for people relocating to Belgium for a period of several months to a few years. Setting up utility contracts as a newcomer can be time-consuming and, for non-Dutch or non-French speakers, also linguistically challenging. A serviced apartment sidesteps that process entirely. You can explore available serviced apartments to get a sense of what a fully managed rental arrangement looks like in practice.
The trade-off is usually cost: serviced apartments tend to carry a higher monthly price than comparable furnished apartments, reflecting the value of the included services and the administrative simplicity they provide.
Which services in a serviced apartment can be added or removed?
Many serviced apartment providers in Belgium offer a degree of flexibility, allowing tenants to adjust the service package to match their actual needs. While certain core services such as wifi, television, and technical maintenance are typically standard, others can often be added or removed on request.
Services that are commonly available as optional or adjustable include:
- Cleaning frequency – some tenants prefer weekly cleaning, others may want it less often or not at all
- Linen and towel service – the frequency of replacement can often be adjusted
- Parking – may be included as standard or available as an optional add-on depending on the property
- Additional telecom or streaming services – some providers can arrange supplementary packages on request
- Concierge or administrative support – providers with a broader relocation service may offer help with local registration, transport, or neighbourhood orientation
The ability to tailor services is one of the practical advantages of the serviced apartment model. It means a single professional on a short assignment and a family relocating for two years can both find an arrangement that fits their situation without paying for services they do not need.
Are serviced apartments in Belgium a good option for expats and international professionals?
Serviced apartments can be a strong fit for expats and international professionals in Belgium, particularly for those arriving on temporary assignments, relocating for work, or needing a ready-to-live-in home without the complexity of a standard rental process. The combination of flexible lease terms, included utilities, and ongoing support removes many of the practical obstacles that international arrivals typically face.
Several factors make this housing type especially relevant for this audience:
- No need to navigate Belgian utility providers or telecom contracts in an unfamiliar language
- A single monthly invoice covering rent, services, and utilities simplifies expense reporting for both individuals and employers
- Flexible lease durations, in many cases from six months upward, suit the variable timelines of international assignments
- Fully furnished and equipped apartments mean you can move in immediately without sourcing furniture or household essentials
- Ongoing technical and cleaning support means day-to-day living requires minimal administrative effort
For families, the calculus may also include proximity to international schools, green spaces, and reliable public transport links. These location considerations are separate from the service model itself, but they are often part of the same relocation decision.
Serviced apartments are not the right fit for everyone. Those planning a very long-term stay, who prefer to furnish a home to their own taste, or who want to build a more permanent life in Belgium may find a standard unfurnished rental more suitable over time. But for the first months or years of an international posting, the serviced apartment model addresses a genuine need for comfort, flexibility, and simplicity.
How RentMore helps with serviced apartment amenities in Belgium
RentMore offers a range of fully furnished and serviced apartments across Brussels and beyond, specifically designed for expats, Eurocrats, diplomats, NATO staff, and other international professionals. The service model is built around making temporary housing as straightforward as possible, from the moment you arrive to the end of your stay.
Here is what RentMore includes as standard across its serviced apartment offering:
- High-speed wifi and digital television with international channels, ready from move-in
- One monthly invoice covering rent, utilities, and selected services, with no separate contracts to arrange
- Cleaning service and regular replacement of bed linen and towels
- Technical maintenance for minor repairs and household issues
- Building security systems across all properties
- A single point of contact for all questions and requests throughout your stay
- Services that can be adjusted à la carte to match your specific needs
Lease terms from six months make RentMore a practical choice for both shorter assignments and longer relocations. Properties are located in key Brussels zones including the European Quarter, Louise-Ixelles, the NATO-Airport region, and Uccle, as well as in Leuven and Antwerp.
If you are looking for a serviced apartment that includes wifi, television, and full household support from day one, get in touch with RentMore to discuss your requirements and find the right apartment for your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a serviced apartment in Belgium?
For popular locations like the European Quarter or Louise-Ixelles in Brussels, booking 4–8 weeks in advance is generally advisable, especially for longer assignments or moves planned around a fixed start date. Availability can tighten quickly in high-demand periods, particularly when international institutions are in session. Contacting a provider early also gives you time to discuss service customisation and confirm that the apartment meets your specific needs before committing.
What happens if something breaks or stops working in my serviced apartment?
One of the practical advantages of a serviced apartment over a standard rental is that technical maintenance is typically included. For minor issues such as a faulty appliance, a broken blind, or a plumbing problem, you simply contact your provider and the repair is arranged on your behalf, usually at no extra cost. This is a significant convenience compared to a standard furnished rental, where you would need to coordinate and potentially pay for repairs yourself.
Can my employer pay for a serviced apartment directly, and does it simplify expense reporting?
Yes, many serviced apartment providers in Belgium are set up to invoice employers or relocation companies directly, which is a common arrangement for corporate assignments. The single monthly invoice covering rent, utilities, and services makes expense reporting straightforward for both the employee and the finance or HR team managing the assignment. If this is a requirement, it is worth confirming the invoicing setup with your provider before signing the rental agreement.
Is it possible to extend my stay in a serviced apartment if my assignment is extended?
In most cases, yes — serviced apartment providers are accustomed to the variable timelines of international assignments and typically offer flexibility around lease extensions. The key is to communicate an extension request as early as possible, since the apartment may already have another booking lined up. Some providers can also offer a short-term extension of a few weeks as a bridge while you arrange longer-term accommodation.
Do serviced apartments in Belgium require a Belgian bank account or local guarantor to sign a lease?
This is one area where serviced apartments often differ favourably from the standard Belgian rental market. Many serviced apartment providers do not require a Belgian bank account or a local guarantor, recognising that international arrivals frequently have neither when they first relocate. Payment by international bank transfer or corporate invoice is commonly accepted. Always confirm the payment and deposit requirements with your specific provider before arrival to avoid any last-minute complications.
What is the typical minimum lease length for a serviced apartment in Belgium, and are shorter stays possible?
Most serviced apartments in Belgium have a minimum lease term of around one to six months, with six months being a common baseline among providers targeting international professionals. Shorter stays of a few weeks are sometimes available but may be priced differently and are more common in properties that also operate in the corporate housing or extended-stay segment. If you need accommodation for fewer than three months, it is worth asking providers directly, as policies vary and some can accommodate shorter terms depending on availability.
How does the cost of a serviced apartment compare to renting a standard furnished apartment and managing utilities separately?
While the headline monthly cost of a serviced apartment is typically higher than a comparable furnished apartment, the gap narrows when you factor in the cost of utilities, internet, cleaning, and maintenance that you would need to arrange independently in a standard rental. For international professionals who value their time and want to avoid the administrative burden of setting up contracts in a new country, the all-in pricing of a serviced apartment often represents good value relative to the alternatives. It is worth doing a like-for-like comparison that includes all expected costs rather than comparing rent figures alone.
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