Individual meters in co-ownership: obligation
Individual meters in co-ownership: obligation
Legal obligations by region
In Belgium, obligations regarding individual meters vary by region. The regional context is decisive for co-ownerships.
Brussels
| Type | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Heat cost allocators | Mandatory (collective heating) |
| Individual water meters | Recommended |
| Electricity meters | Individual by default |
Wallonia
| Type | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Water meters | Mandatory (new builds since 2005) |
| Heat cost allocators | Mandatory (EED directive) |
| Electricity meters | Individual by default |
Flanders
| Type | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Water meters | Mandatory (new builds) |
| Heat meters | Mandatory (collective heating) |
| Electricity meters | Individual by default |
For the general co-ownership framework, see our guide on co-ownership and renting.
Installation and costs
Decision at the general assembly
Installation of individual meters is decided at the general assembly by a qualified majority (2/3 of votes). The building manager coordinates the works.
Types of devices
| Device | Use | Indicative cost per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual water meter | Hot/cold water | 200 - 500 EUR |
| Heat cost allocator | Collective heating | 50 - 150 EUR per radiator |
| Heat meter | Underfloor heating | 300 - 800 EUR |
| Temperature sensor | Allocator supplement | 50 - 100 EUR |
Who pays what
| Item | Borne by |
|---|---|
| Purchase and installation | Co-owners (shares) |
| Annual reading | Common charges (recoverable) |
| Replacement (breakdown) | Co-owners |
| Periodic calibration | Common charges (recoverable) |
Impact on the tenant’s charges
Before individual meters
Without individual meters, consumption is allocated by shares. An economical tenant pays as much as a wasteful tenant in proportion to the size of their unit.
After individual meters
Each tenant pays their actual consumption. The charges statement distinguishes:
- The individual share (metered consumption)
- The communal share (losses, common areas)
Individual meters allow average savings of 15 to 25% on water and heating consumption, as each occupant is made responsible for their own usage.
Reading and invoicing
Meter readings are generally taken once a year by a specialist company mandated by the building manager. The reading cost is a recoverable charge from the tenant.
Practical advice
For the landlord
- Check the regional obligations for your building
- Vote in favour of individual meters at the general assembly
- Adjust service charges provisions after installation
- Mention the meters in the lease
For the tenant
- Record your meter readings at move-in and move-out (include in the inventory of fixtures)
- Check that your statement reflects your actual consumption
- Report any meter anomaly to the landlord
Track your consumption and statements with a rental management software.