In Belgium

The pivot index is a mechanism unique to Belgium, linked to the sliding wage scale system. When the smoothed health index (4-month moving average) exceeds the pivot threshold, public sector wages and social benefits are automatically raised by 2%. A new pivot is then calculated (old pivot x 1.02).

This mechanism is often confused with rent indexation, but the two are completely separate:

  • Pivot index: discrete threshold, one-off wage/benefit adjustment, based on smoothed health index
  • Rent indexation: continuous formula, annual rent adjustment, based on non-smoothed health index

A tenant whose salary rises due to a pivot exceeding does not automatically face a rent indexation — the two mechanisms are independent.

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Warning
Exceeding the pivot index does NOT authorise the landlord to index the rent. Rent indexation happens at the lease anniversary date, using the non-smoothed health index, independently of any pivot exceeding.

Practical example

In 2022, the pivot index was exceeded 4 times due to record inflation. Wages rose by 4 x 2% = 8.24% (cumulative). During the same period, rent indexation followed its own rhythm, at each lease anniversary, without any link to pivot exceedances.