EPC E and F: rental ban and timeline in Belgium
Timeline of the rental ban for properties with EPC E and F in Belgium by region.
Why poorly rated properties will be banned from letting
All three Belgian regions have adopted progressive timelines to ban the letting of the most energy-hungry dwellings. The goal: achieving a carbon-neutral rental stock by 2050.
In Belgium, over 40 % of let dwellings display an E, F or G EPC score. These energy sieves cost tenants dearly in heating charges and represent a significant share of residential CO2 emissions.
The ban does not affect existing leases, but the new letting (signing a new lease). A landlord whose property is below the minimum score will no longer be able to re-let to a new tenant until improvement works are completed.
The EPC certificate is the reference document for verifying property compliance.
Ban timeline by region
Brussels — the strictest timeline
| Deadline | Banned score | Minimum required |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | G | F |
| 2028 | F | E |
| 2033 | E | D |
| 2036 | D | C |
Flanders — EPC label
| Deadline | Banned label | Minimum required |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | - | EPC label mandatory |
| 2028 | F | E |
| 2035 | E | D |
Wallonia
| Deadline | Banned score | Minimum required |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | G (> 600 kWh/sqm) | F |
| 2030 | F | E |
| 2035 | E | D |
Timelines may be adjusted by regional governments. Brussels deadlines are the closest and strictest. For details by region, consult our dedicated guides: Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders.
In addition to the letting ban, poorly rated properties can no longer be indexed. An F or G-rated property loses the right to indexation in all three regions, amplifying the shortfall.
Practical consequences for the landlord
Inability to re-let
The main risk is forced vacancy. If your current tenant leaves and the EPC is below the threshold, you cannot sign a new lease. The property remains empty while works are carried out, which can take several months.
Financial penalties
| Region | Maximum fine | Supervisory authority |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | EUR 25,000 | Brussels Environment |
| Flanders | EUR 10,000 | Wooninspectie |
| Wallonia | EUR 25,000 | Service public de Wallonie |
Property depreciation
A property that can no longer be let loses market value. Investor buyers calculate the cost of required works and deduct this from the purchase price. A G-rated property can be worth 15 to 25 % less than an equivalent C-rated one.
Solutions for affected landlords
Priority 1: diagnose. Have an EPC certificate issued if you do not have one, or check the validity of the existing one. The current score determines the urgency.
Priority 2: plan works. An energy audit identifies the most effective works. Insulation and glazing offer the best cost-to-result ratio.
Priority 3: apply for grants. Regional grants cover 30 to 70 % of works depending on income. Do not overlook them: they significantly accelerate the return on investment.
Priority 4: anticipate. Works lead times (quotes, ordering, execution) lengthen as deadlines approach. Landlords who wait until the last moment face higher costs and longer delays.
Use a rental management software to plan your works, track EPC deadlines and centralise certificates for each property.