Renting an EPC G-rated property: is it still possible in Belgium
Can you still rent an EPC G-rated dwelling in Belgium in 2026? Indexation freeze, 2030 ban, landlord's obligations and renovation cost.
EPC G and letting in 2026: the situation
In 2026, letting a property with EPC G is still legally possible in all three Belgian Regions. But the constraints are already significant and worsening.
| Region | EPC G indexation | Letting ban | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | Blocked since 10/2022 | Yes | 2030 |
| Wallonia | Limited | Under discussion | Expected 2032-2035 |
| Flanders | Limited | Yes (EPC label F-G) | 2030 (label E mandatory) |
Patrick, owner of an EPC G apartment in Brussels, faces a double penalty:
- He can no longer index the rent (annual loss of purchasing power)
- He will have to renovate or withdraw the property from the rental market by 2030
For details by Region, see our guides on EPC Brussels and EPC and letting.
Consequences for the landlord
Annual financial loss
Without indexation, Patrick’s rent loses approximately 2 to 3% of real value each year (inflation). Over 5 years, this is a cumulative loss of 10 to 15% of the rent’s purchasing power.
| Year | Rent with indexation | Rent without indexation | Annual loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 800 EUR | 800 EUR | 0 EUR |
| 2023 | 824 EUR | 800 EUR | 24 EUR/month |
| 2024 | 849 EUR | 800 EUR | 49 EUR/month |
| 2025 | 874 EUR | 800 EUR | 74 EUR/month |
| 2026 | 900 EUR | 800 EUR | 100 EUR/month |
Limited rental deposit
In Brussels since the 2026 reform, properties with EPC E-G can only require 2 months of deposit (compared to 3 months for EPC A-D).
Reduced attractiveness
Tenants increasingly avoid EPC G: high energy costs, thermal discomfort, and risk of having to move in 2030.
If Patrick does not renovate before 2030, he loses his property from the rental market. The cost of not renovating (lost rent) quickly exceeds the cost of renovation. Do the maths for your situation.
Renovating to escape EPC G
Priority works (best cost/EPC improvement ratio)
| Work | Average cost | EPC improvement | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof insulation | 5,000-15,000 EUR | 1-2 classes | High |
| Window replacement | 8,000-20,000 EUR | 1 class | High |
| Wall insulation (internal) | 4,000-12,000 EUR | 1 class | Medium |
| Heating modernisation | 3,000-10,000 EUR | 1 class | Medium |
| Ventilation (mechanical) | 2,000-5,000 EUR | 0.5 class | Low |
Available grants
| Region | Renovation grant | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | RENOLUTION grants | Income conditions |
| Wallonia | Habitation grants | Prior energy audit |
| Flanders | Mijn VerbouwPremie | EPC label + conditions |
Target
To escape EPC G, aim for at least EPC D (which allows indexation and avoids the 2030 ban). The investment pays for itself in 5 to 10 years through recovered indexation and increased property value.
For the taxation of renovation works, see our dedicated guide.
Keep or sell the EPC G property
Keep and renovate
Recommended if:
- The property has a good location (strong rental demand)
- The renovation cost is reasonable (< 30,000 EUR)
- Grants are available
- You have an investment horizon of 10+ years
Sell as-is
Recommended if:
- The renovation cost is prohibitive (> 50,000 EUR)
- The property has structural problems in addition to the EPC
- You wish to reinvest in an already compliant property
- The 2030 deadline is approaching and works are not planned
A rental management software helps you assess profitability with and without renovation. To create a lease compliant with the mandatory EPC mention, use our online lease generator. For other situations, see our case studies.