Electrical compliance certificate for rentals
Is the electrical compliance certificate mandatory for letting in Belgium? Procedure, cost, validity and landlord obligations.
Legal obligation for rentals
The electrical compliance inspection is mandatory for any letting in Belgium. The RGIE (General Regulations on Electrical Installations) requires an inspection by an approved body before signing the lease.
| Situation | Inspection required |
|---|---|
| New installation | Yes (before commissioning) |
| Change of tenant | Yes (installations before 1981) |
| Every 25 years | Yes (all installations) |
| Electrical renovation | Yes (after works) |
The compliance certificate (or inspection report) must be annexed to the lease and provided to the tenant. The absence of a certificate constitutes a fault by the landlord that can lead to sanctions and engage their liability in case of an accident.
This document is part of the mandatory diagnostics before letting.
The compliance inspection
The inspection is carried out by an approved body (AREI, Vinçotte, AIB, BTV, SGS, etc.). The inspector checks:
| Inspection point | Standard |
|---|---|
| Electrical panel | Residual current device 300 mA + 30 mA |
| Earthing | Resistance < 30 ohms |
| Cable cross-sections | Suitable for the protection |
| Sockets and switches | Compliant with RGIE |
| Circuits | Correct identification |
| Wet rooms | Protection zones respected |
The inspection lasts 1 to 3 hours depending on the size of the installation. The report lists violations classified by severity (major violations, minor violations, observations).
The cost is between EUR 150 and 350, at the landlord’s expense. Some bodies offer packages for landlords with multiple properties.
Most common violations
| Violation | Severity | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Missing 30 mA residual current device | Major | Adding a device (EUR 200 - 400) |
| Defective earthing | Major | Earthing repair (EUR 300 - 800) |
| Undersized cables | Major | Cable replacement |
| Non-compliant sockets in wet rooms | Major | Relocation or replacement |
| Missing circuit identification | Minor | Labelling the panel |
| Open junction boxes | Minor | Closing the boxes |
Major violations must be corrected before letting. Minor violations are noted in the report but do not prevent the issuance of the compliance certificate (with reservation).
In the event of an electrical accident (electrocution, fire) in a dwelling let without a compliance certificate, the landlord incurs civil and criminal liability. The insurance may refuse to cover the damage.
Bringing the installation into compliance
If the inspection reveals violations, the landlord must call in an approved electrical installer.
| Type of compliance work | Estimated cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Light (residual current device, labelling) | EUR 200 - 500 | 1 - 2 days |
| Medium (circuits, earthing) | EUR 500 - 2,000 | 2 - 5 days |
| Heavy (complete overhaul) | EUR 3,000 - 8,000 | 1 - 3 weeks |
After the works, a new inspection is mandatory to obtain the compliance certificate. Factor the cost of the second inspection into your budget.
For existing installations with minor violations, a deadline of 18 months is granted for compliance. The inspection report with violations can be annexed to the lease, but the works must be carried out within the allotted time.
In practice for the landlord
When to carry out the inspection. Ideally between two tenants, to avoid disturbing the occupant. If a change of tenant is approaching, schedule the inspection at least 1 month in advance.
Which body to choose. Compare rates and timelines. The approved bodies (Vinçotte, SGS, BTV, etc.) are all equivalent in terms of standards. The price ranges from EUR 150 to 350.
Keeping the certificate. The certificate is valid for 25 years if the installation is compliant. Keep it carefully and provide a copy to each new tenant with the lease.
Plan ahead for works. If your installation dates from before 1981, the inspection is mandatory at each change of tenant. Investing in a complete upgrade can be more cost-effective than piecemeal repairs.
Centralise your compliance certificates in a rental management software so you never miss a mandatory inspection.