EPC and renting in Brussels
EPC certificate and renting in the Brussels-Capital Region: obligations and impact.
EPC obligations for landlords in Brussels
In Brussels, the EPC certificate is a legal obligation for every letting. The COBRACE ordinance of 2 May 2013 and its implementing decrees impose three distinct obligations:
- Hold a valid EPC certificate before publishing the listing
- Display the EPC score in every rental advertisement (press, internet, agency window)
- Provide a copy to the tenant upon signing the lease
The certificate is issued by a certified assessor approved by Brussels Environment. It is valid for 10 years, unless major works change the energy performance. In that case, a new certificate is recommended to benefit from rent indexation and prove compliance.
The Brussels-Capital Region was also the first to impose minimum EPC scores for letting, with a progressive timeline through to 2045.
Minimum scores and impact on rent indexation
Brussels directly links the EPC score to two crucial mechanisms for the landlord: the right to let and the right to index.
Minimum scores for letting
| Year | Minimum score | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | F | G-rated properties banned from letting |
| 2028 | E | F-rated properties banned |
| 2033 | D | E-rated properties banned |
| 2036 | C | D-rated properties banned |
Impact on rent indexation
| EPC score | Indexation right |
|---|---|
| A to D | Full indexation (100 %) |
| E | Partial indexation (50 %) |
| F or G | Indexation prohibited |
An E-rated property with a rent of EUR 900/month loses approximately EUR 25/month of indexation each year (at 2.5 % inflation). Over a 9-year lease, this represents a cumulative loss of several thousand euros. For an F or G-rated property, the loss is total. See our detailed guide on indexation and the EPC.
Renolution grants for Brussels landlords
The Renolution programme merges the former energy and renovation grants. It covers energy improvement works with increased amounts for low-income applicants.
| Works | Base grant | Increased grant (low income) |
|---|---|---|
| Roof insulation | EUR 35/sqm | EUR 50/sqm |
| Wall insulation | EUR 40/sqm | EUR 65/sqm |
| Glazing replacement | EUR 60/sqm | EUR 90/sqm |
| Heat pump | EUR 4,500 | EUR 6,000 |
| Condensing gas boiler | EUR 700 | EUR 1,400 |
| Energy audit | EUR 600 | EUR 900 |
Grants are cumulative. The total amount may not exceed 70 % of the cost of works. The application is made before works begin via the IRISbox platform.
To effectively improve your EPC score, combine roof insulation and glazing replacement as your first investments.
In practice: what to do now
Your property is rated G: immediate action required. Works are mandatory to continue letting. Start with a Renolution energy audit and prioritise roof + glazing.
Your property is rated F: plan ahead for 2028. Schedule works for 2026-2027 to avoid deadline pressure. External wall insulation is an excellent investment at this stage.
Your property is rated E: you have until 2033, but indexation is already limited to 50 %. Every year without works means lost indexation.
Your property is rated D or better: you are compliant until at least 2036. Check that your EPC certificate is valid (< 10 years) and keep it in your rental management documents.
For rules in other regions, consult our guides on EPC in Wallonia and EPC in Flanders.