Current EPC requirements in Wallonia
Wallonia currently requires a valid EPC certificate for all rental properties but does not yet impose a minimum EPC label. The Walloon government is developing progressive targets for 2030-2050, following the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Landlords should anticipate stricter requirements.
Current status:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Valid EPC certificate | Mandatory for all rentals |
| Minimum EPC label | Not yet in force |
| Communication to tenant | Mandatory before lease signing |
| Display in advertisements | Mandatory (EPC value and label) |
| Progressive targets | Under development (2030-2050) |
Upcoming changes
Although no minimum EPC label is yet required, landlords should start planning energy renovations now. The Walloon government has committed to introducing minimum standards, and properties with poor energy performance will become increasingly difficult to rent and may lose value.
Why act now:
- Tenant expectations: tenants increasingly consider energy costs when choosing a property
- Property value: better EPC labels increase property value and attractiveness
- Premium availability: current renovation premiums are generous — they may be reduced later
- Contractor availability: as deadlines approach, demand for renovation works increases, driving up prices and wait times
- EU obligations: the revised EPBD requires all EU member states to implement minimum energy performance standards for rental properties
Do not wait for the formal minimum EPC requirements to be enacted. The transition to stricter standards is certain — only the exact timeline is still being determined. Early renovation ensures lower costs and access to the best premiums.
Premiums and financial support
Wallonia offers renovation premiums through the Walloon housing and energy programmes:
- Energy premiums (primes energie): for insulation, heating, windows, ventilation
- Renovation premiums (primes renovation): for broader renovation works
- Audit premium: partial reimbursement of energy audit costs
- Green loans (prets verts): favourable-rate loans for energy renovation through the Societe Wallonne du Credit Social
- Local premiums: some Walloon municipalities offer additional support
The premium amounts depend on income category, property type, and the nature of works. Higher premiums are available for lower-income households.
Regional specificities
Walloon Region
The Walloon Energy Strategy (PACE 2030) sets the framework for building energy performance in Wallonia. The Walloon Housing Code governs rental property quality standards. The SPW Energie administers EPC certificates and energy premiums.
Comparison with other regions
Flanders already has minimum EPC labels (E since 2023, D by 2030). Brussels is implementing progressive targets under RENOLUTION. Wallonia is the last region to introduce minimum EPC requirements for rental properties but is expected to follow the general Belgian and EU trend.
Walloon Energy Decree (Decret climat-energie). Walloon Housing Code (Code wallon de l’habitation durable). EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).