In Belgium

Habitable area (superficie habitable / bewoonbare oppervlakte) is the total floor area of a dwelling’s rooms that meet minimum height requirements (generally 2.20 m ceiling height). It is a key criterion for rental compliance and habitability standards.

Each Region sets minimum habitable area requirements:

  • Brussels: minimum standards defined in the Housing Code (Code du Logement)
  • Wallonia: minimum 20 m2 for a studio, with additional room size requirements
  • Flanders: minimum standards defined in the Flemish Housing Code (Vlaamse Wooncode)
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Good to know
A property that does not meet the minimum habitable area requirements may be declared non-compliant and cannot be legally rented. This is particularly relevant for converted attics or basements where ceiling heights may be insufficient.

Practical example

A landlord converts an attic into a studio in Namur. Total floor area: 30 m2, but only 22 m2 has a ceiling height above 2.20 m. The habitable area is 22 m2 — just above the Walloon minimum of 20 m2. The remaining 8 m2 can be used for storage but does not count as habitable area.