Energy standards and rental properties in 2026: EPC obligations by region
The three Belgian regions are tightening EPC requirements for rentals. Minimum scores, impact on indexation, renovation timeline: everything you need to know.
346days ago
!What changes
- 1In Brussels, an EPC E-G rated property can no longer require more than 2 months of rental guarantee
- 2In Wallonia, EPC G rated properties will be banned from the rental market from 2028
- 3Rent indexation is conditional on the EPC in Brussels (minimum E score) and in Wallonia
- 4A simplified energy audit is mandatory before renting out an EPC E-G rated property in Wallonia
- 5Flanders requires the EPC label in all rental listings
Current state of EPC for rental properties in Belgium
The EPC certificate has been mandatory for any new rental listing since 2011. But for a long time, it had only an informational role. Since 2022, the situation has changed: the EPC now conditions concrete rights (indexation, guarantee, right to rent).
The Belgian rental stock remains largely poorly insulated. According to 2025 figures:
- Brussels: 55% of properties rated D to G
- Wallonia: 62% rated D to G
- Flanders: 48% rated D to G
For landlords, the EPC is no longer a simple administrative document but a management tool for rental property. A poor EPC directly impacts income (blocked indexation) and costs (reduced guarantee).
A Brussels landlord with an EPC F rated property loses an average of EUR 300 to 500 per year from blocked indexation, plus the guarantee reduction from 3 to 2 months.
Brussels: the strictest regime
Brussels has the most EPC-related constraints:
- Conditional indexation (since November 2022): EPC F and G rated properties cannot index the rent. EPC E rated properties can index at 50% of the health index.
- Rental guarantee linked to EPC (since July 2026): 2 months max for EPC E-G, 3 months for A-D
- Mandatory energy annex in the lease: EPC score, estimated charges, heating description
- 2030 target: proposed (not yet voted) EPC C minimum for any new rental
The Brussels lease reform 2026 details all the new Brussels measures.
Wallonia: EPC G ban in 2028
Wallonia is taking a progressive approach but with a more radical deadline:
- 2027: simplified energy audit mandatory before renting out (EPC E, F, G)
- 1 January 2028: ban on renting out EPC G rated properties
- 2030 (target): EPC F ban (not yet voted)
- EPC mandatory to index (no minimum score, just having the certificate)
The simplified energy audit (estimated cost: EUR 200-400) will need to identify priority works and estimate the renovation cost to achieve at least EPC F. The EPC rules specific to Wallonia are detailed in our dedicated article.
Flanders: transparency without constraint
Flanders remains the least restrictive region regarding EPC for rentals:
- EPC mandatory in listings (score + colour label)
- No minimum score to rent
- No link between EPC and indexation
- No rental ban planned in the short term
Flanders relies more on financial incentives (Mijn Verbouwpremie) than on regulatory constraints to improve the rental stock.
Comparison of EPC requirements by region
| Requirement | Brussels | Wallonia | Flanders |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPC mandatory to rent | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EPC in the listing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum score to rent | No (but penalties) | G banned from 2028 | No |
| EPC required to index | Yes (E minimum for 100%) | Yes (have the certificate) | No |
| Guarantee linked to EPC | Yes (2 months if E-G) | No | No |
| Energy annex to the lease | Yes | No | No |
| Energy audit before rental | No | Yes (EPC E-G, from 2027) | No |
If you own properties in several regions, each property is subject to the EPC rules of its region. The same EPC F rated property can be indexed in Flanders but not in Brussels.
Actions to take
For landlords, here is the recommended course of action:
- Check the EPC certificate for each property: score, validity date (10 years)
- Prioritise renovations on EPC F and G rated properties (especially in Wallonia and Brussels)
- Take advantage of regional grants: Renolution (Wallonia/Brussels), Mijn Verbouwpremie (Flanders)
- Update your leases: include the energy annex in Brussels, provide for the indexation clause based on EPC
- Anticipate 2028: EPC G rated properties in Wallonia will need to be renovated or withdrawn from the rental market
Energy renovation is also a lever for rental yield: a better EPC allows for higher rent, indexation and property tax reductions.
Chronology
- 2011EPC mandatory for sales and rentals in all 3 regions
- November 2022Brussels links rent indexation to EPC (minimum E score)
- July 2026Rental guarantee linked to EPC in Brussels
- January 2028EPC G ban on rentals in Wallonia
- 2030Target EPC C minimum to rent (Brussels, not yet voted)
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes, in all three regions in 2026. The EPC G ban will only apply in Wallonia from 2028. In Brussels, there is no ban but penalties (capped guarantee, blocked indexation).
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In Brussels: yes, EPC F and G rated properties cannot index the rent. EPC E can index at 50% of the health index. In Wallonia: EPC is required to index (no minimum score). In Flanders: no link between EPC and indexation.
-
Between EUR 150 and 400 depending on the size of the property and the region. It is valid for 10 years. The certifier must be approved by the competent regional body.
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