EPC and rental properties in Wallonia 2026: new rules and timeline
The Walloon decree tightens EPC requirements for rentals: mandatory audit, EPC G ban in 2028, Renolution grants. Timeline and procedures.
342days ago
!What changes
- 1Simplified energy audit mandatory before renting out EPC E, F and G rated properties (2027)
- 2Ban on renting out EPC G rated properties from 1 January 2028
- 3Renolution grants increased for landlords (cap EUR 40,000 per property)
- 4Obligation to provide the EPC to the tenant before signing (not just in the listing)
- 5Target EPC F minimum for all rentals from 2030 (vote expected 2027)
The Walloon rental stock in figures
Wallonia has approximately 350,000 rental properties, a significant proportion of which are poorly insulated. The figures from SPW Energy (2025) are telling:
| EPC rating | Share of Walloon rental stock |
|---|---|
| A-B | 4% |
| C-D | 34% |
| E | 28% |
| F | 20% |
| G | 14% |
The 14% of EPC G rated properties represent approximately 49,000 units that will need to be renovated or withdrawn from the market by the end of 2027. This is a major challenge for Walloon landlords.
The average cost to upgrade from EPC G to EPC F is estimated at EUR 8,000 to 25,000 (roof insulation + boiler replacement). To go from G to D, the cost is EUR 25,000 to 60,000. Rental management must factor in these investments.
14% of the Walloon rental stock is rated EPC G and will need to be renovated before 1 January 2028.
Simplified energy audit: mandatory from 2027
From 2027, any landlord wishing to rent out a property rated EPC E, F or G will need to have a simplified energy audit carried out beforehand.
Audit content
The audit identifies:
- The main heat losses (roof, walls, windows, floor)
- The priority works ranked by cost/benefit ratio
- The estimated cost of each intervention
- The estimated EPC improvement after works
The audit is carried out by an approved auditor (list on the SPW Energy portal). It does not impose works but documents the energy condition of the property in more detail than the EPC certificate alone.
The audit cost (EUR 200-400) is deductible from the Renolution grant amount if works are carried out within 2 years.
EPC G ban on rentals: 1 January 2028
This is the most impactful measure. From 1 January 2028:
- No new lease may be signed for an EPC G rated property
- Current leases remain valid until their term or renewal
- The landlord will need to present a minimum EPC F to sign a new lease
- In case of infringement, administrative fine of EUR 500 to 5,000
Special cases
- Vacant property between tenants: the landlord must renovate before re-letting if the EPC is G
- Student lease (10 months): same obligation, no exception
- Shared housing: the EPC of the entire property applies, not that of the individual room
The landlord obligations in 2026 also include other requirements (detectors, registration).
Renolution grants for landlords
Wallonia has strengthened the Renolution grants to incentivise landlords to renovate:
| Type of works | Landlord grant (2026) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Roof insulation | Up to EUR 6,000 | Rented property, approved contractor invoice |
| Wall insulation | Up to EUR 8,000 | Same |
| Window replacement | Up to EUR 5,000 | Double glazing minimum |
| Boiler replacement (heat pump) | Up to EUR 10,000 | Heat pump or condensing boiler |
| Solar panels | Up to EUR 4,000 | Installation < 10 kWp |
| Total cap per property | EUR 40,000 | Cumulative over 5 years |
The grants are increased by 20% if the property moves from EPC G to EPC D or better in a single phase of works. The application is done online on the Renolution portal of the Walloon Region.
Full timeline
| Date | Obligation |
|---|---|
| 2026 | EPC mandatory in the listing and provided to the tenant before signing |
| 1 January 2027 | Simplified energy audit mandatory (EPC E, F, G) |
| 1 January 2028 | EPC G ban on rentals |
| 2030 (target) | EPC F ban (vote expected 2027) |
The Walloon rental permit is another aspect of the obligations for certain properties.
Action plan for Walloon landlords
- Get the EPC certificate if not already done (or renew it after works)
- Identify EPC G rated properties in your portfolio: these are the priorities
- Get the energy audit done from 2026 to anticipate the 2027 obligation
- Plan the works: roof insulation as a priority (best cost/EPC gain ratio)
- Apply for Renolution grants before starting the works (not after)
- Factor the cost into your yield: a renovated EPC C property rents for 10-15% more than an EPC F
To calculate the impact of renovation on your yield, use our rental yield calculation method. And to generate a lease incorporating the new Walloon obligations, try our lease creation tool.
Frequently asked questions
-
On 1 January 2028 for new rentals. Current leases are not affected until their renewal or expiry.
-
Between EUR 200 and 400 depending on the size of the property. It is carried out by an approved auditor and identifies priority works to improve the EPC. The recommendations are not binding but the audit itself is mandatory.
-
Yes, since 2024. The cap is EUR 40,000 per property for landlords (compared to EUR 70,000 for owner-occupiers). The grants cover insulation, boiler replacement, windows and solar panels.
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