Rental permit in Wallonia: modernisation and extension in 2026

Overview: what is the rental permit

The rental permit is a Walloon administrative authorisation certifying that a property meets the minimum standards of healthiness, safety and habitability. It has existed since 1998 but only covers part of the rental stock.

Currently, the permit is required for:

• Collective housing (buildings with 3+ units)
• Student accommodation
• Properties under 28 m2 in collective buildings

SPW Housing estimates that only 60% of the properties concerned actually have a valid permit. The 2026 reform aims to broaden the scope and strengthen enforcement.

Extension to all properties under 28 m2

The 2026 reform extends the rental permit to all properties under 28 m2 put up for rent in Wallonia, whether in a collective building or not. This includes:

• Studios in divided single-family houses
• Individually rented rooms (shared housing)
• Garages or annexes converted into housing
• Tiny houses and converted containers

The new Walloon lease decree integrates this extension into a broader legislative framework.

Fully digitalised procedure

Good news: the application is now 100% online via the SPW Housing portal. No more paper files or travel required:

1. Create an account on the SPW Housing portal (eID or Itsme)
2. Fill in the form with the property characteristics (floor area, facilities, EPC)
3. Pay the fee of EUR 75 online
4. Schedule the inspection: slots available within 4 weeks
5. Receive the permit electronically (signed PDF) if compliant

If non-conformities are found, the landlord has 12 months to carry out the works. A second inspection is scheduled free of charge. Consult our landlord obligations guide for the full detail of standards.

Strengthened inspection criteria

Inspectors check criteria in 4 categories:

Safety:

• Functioning smoke detectors (1 per floor)
• Compliant electrical installation (RGIE/AREI certificate less than 25 years old)
• Window guards (if > 1 m from ground)

Healthiness:

• No structural damp
• Adequate ventilation (grille or mechanical ventilation)
• Sufficient natural light (glazed area >= 1/6 of floor area)

Habitability:

• Minimum floor area: 20 m2 for 1 person, 28 m2 for a couple
• Ceiling height >= 2.30 m
• Private sanitary facilities (WC + shower/bath)

Facilities:

• Hot and cold running water
• Fixed heating
• Sufficient number of power outlets

Penalties and increased enforcement

Fine amounts remain unchanged (EUR 500 to 10,000) but enforcement is intensifying:

• Proactive inspections: SPW can inspect without a prior complaint from the tenant
• Data cross-referencing: leases registered on MyRent will be cross-referenced with the permit database
• Easier reporting: tenants can report a property without a permit via an online form

A tenant in a property without a valid permit can request lease termination without indemnity and reimbursement of rent paid. This is the most deterrent penalty for landlords.

Practical steps

If you rent out a small property in Wallonia, here is the procedure to follow:

1. Check if your property is concerned: any property < 28 m2, any collective building
2. Have the electrical installation checked (approved body, ~EUR 200)
3. Install the required smoke and CO detectors
4. Apply for the permit online on the SPW Housing portal (EUR 75)
5. Prepare for the inspection: cleaning, meter accessibility, EPC documents available

A permit valid for 10 years is a selling point for tenants: it proves the property meets the standards. Integrate this process into your rental management for each Walloon property.

For questions related to lease registration and EPC obligations, consult our dedicated articles.