New landlord obligations in 2026: complete guide
EPC, detectors, digital registration, insurance: all new landlord obligations in Belgium in 2026, region by region.
344days ago
!What changes
- 1The EPC certificate must be attached to any rental listing (all three regions)
- 2Smoke and CO detectors are mandatory in all living areas (Wallonia and Brussels)
- 3Lease registration via MyRent must be completed within 2 months (Brussels, down from 4 months)
- 4The landlord must annually verify the tenant's fire insurance coverage (Brussels)
- 5Entry inventory of fixtures costs are capped at 50% charged to the tenant (Wallonia)
Overview of new obligations in 2026
The year 2026 marks a significant strengthening of landlord obligations in Belgium. Each region legislates at its own pace, but the trend is shared: more transparency towards the tenant, enhanced safety standards and digitalisation of procedures.
For landlords managing multiple properties, the volume of administrative procedures is increasing. A rental management tool can help centralise the tracking of deadlines and compliance.
Without a valid EPC certificate, rent indexation is impossible in Brussels and Wallonia. This is the most costly penalty for a negligent landlord.
Strengthened EPC obligations
The EPC certificate (Energy Performance of Buildings) is now at the heart of landlord obligations. In 2026, requirements are tightened in all three regions:
| EPC obligation | Brussels | Wallonia | Flanders |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPC mandatory to rent | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EPC in the listing | Yes (score + label) | Yes (score) | Yes (score + label) |
| Energy annex to the lease | Yes (new) | No | No |
| EPC required for indexation | Yes (min E) | Yes | No |
| Minimum score to rent | No (but reduced guarantee E-G) | G banned from 2028 | No |
The EPC certificate is valid for 10 years. For rental properties, it is recommended to renew it after renovation works to benefit from a better score. The new energy standards are detailed in our dedicated article.
Smoke and CO detectors
Fire safety standards are being strengthened:
In Wallonia (since December 2025):
- One smoke detector per floor (no longer just in the hallway)
- One CO detector in each room with a combustion appliance (boiler, stove, water heater)
- The landlord must provide and install the detectors before the tenant moves in
In Brussels (progressive 2026-2027):
- One smoke detector per floor (already in force)
- Extension to living areas (living room, bedrooms) planned for January 2027
- CO detector mandatory under the same conditions as Wallonia
In Flanders:
- One smoke detector per floor (unchanged)
- No CO obligation for now, but recommended
It is the landlord who must install the detectors before the tenant moves in. The tenant is responsible for replacing batteries. In the event of a fire without detectors, the insurance may refuse to cover the claim.
Lease registration: tighter deadlines
Lease registration on MyRent (FPS Finance) remains free and mandatory, but deadlines are changing:
| Region | Registration deadline | Penalty for non-registration |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | 2 months (down from 4) | Tenant can leave without notice or indemnity |
| Wallonia | 4 months | Fine EUR 25-100 + tenant can leave without notice |
| Flanders | 4 months | Tenant can leave without notice |
The Brussels deadline changes to 2 months for leases signed from 1 July 2026. For landlords of multiple properties, an automatic alert system is recommended. Consult our FAQ on lease registration.
Fire insurance verification
Brussels novelty: the landlord is now obliged to verify annually that the tenant has fire insurance covering rental risks. The procedure:
- Request a certificate of insurance from the tenant once a year
- Keep a copy in the property file
- If no response after a registered reminder, the landlord can take out insurance on behalf of the tenant and pass on the cost
This obligation already existed in most leases, but it is now enshrined in Brussels legislation. In Wallonia and Flanders, it remains contractual (lease clause) but not statutory. The insurance guide for landlords details the recommended coverage.
2026 landlord checklist
Here are the actions to take for each rental property:
- Up-to-date EPC certificate: check validity and score, renew after works
- Detectors installed: smoke per floor + CO if combustion appliance
- Lease registered on time: 2 months in Brussels, 4 months in Wallonia/Flanders
- Energy annex attached (Brussels): EPC score + estimated charges
- Fire insurance certificate: request annually from the tenant (Brussels)
- Inventory of fixtures: carry out before move-in and budget max 50% to the tenant (Wallonia)
To generate a lease automatically incorporating these obligations, use our lease creation tool. Compliance with these obligations also conditions the right to rent indexation.
Chronology
- December 2025Publication of new detector standards (Wallonia)
- 1 January 2026Entry into force of strengthened EPC obligations
- 1 July 2026Registration deadline reduced to 2 months in Brussels
- 1 January 2027CO detector mandatory in all living areas (Brussels)
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes, in all three regions. The EPC certificate must be available at the time of listing and provided to the tenant before signing the lease. In Brussels, it must also be included in the mandatory energy annex.
-
In Wallonia: one smoke detector per floor and one CO detector in each room with a combustion appliance. In Brussels: same rules, with an extension to living areas planned for 2027. In Flanders: one smoke detector per floor.
-
Penalties vary by region: administrative fine of EUR 50 to 200 for missing EPC in Brussels, refusal of rental permit in Wallonia, and inability to apply rent indexation if the EPC is not provided.
Manage all your leases in one tool
Lease generation, MyRent registration, payment tracking, digital inventory. 14-day free trial, no card required.