Making a dwelling compliant for letting
How to make a dwelling compliant for letting in Belgium. Regional standards, mandatory works, safety, EPC and practical checklist.
Regional housing quality standards
Each Belgian Region defines minimum standards that every dwelling put on the rental market must comply with:
| Standard | Brussels | Wallonia | Flanders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum habitable area | 18 sqm (studio) | 20 sqm (studio) | 18 sqm (studio) |
| Ceiling height | 2.10 m min. | 2.20 m min. | 2.20 m min. |
| Natural light | Yes (in each room) | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilation | Yes (NBN standards) | Yes | Yes |
| Fixed heating | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Running water (hot and cold) | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Private WC | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Bathroom / shower | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
A dwelling that does not meet these standards may not be let. The tenant can contact their Region’s housing inspection service to have the shortcomings recorded.
Safety and mandatory equipment
| Equipment | Obligation | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical compliance | Yes (3 Regions) | RGIE |
| Smoke detectors | Yes (3 Regions) | Regional codes |
| CO detectors | Wallonia (if combustion) | Walloon code |
| Compliant drainage | Yes | NBN standards |
| Guardrails (windows, balconies) | Yes (> 1 m height) | Well-being code |
| Functioning locks | Yes | Civil Code |
Safety non-compliance issues are the most serious. They can lead to an immediate letting ban and engage the landlord’s criminal liability in case of an accident.
EPC compliance
The EPC certificate is a mandatory prerequisite. Since 2025, minimum scores require works for the most energy-inefficient properties:
| Region | Prohibited score (2026) | Works needed |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | G | Insulation + heating |
| Wallonia | G (> 600 kWh) | Insulation + heating |
| Flanders | Not yet (2028: F prohibited) | Anticipation recommended |
EPC compliance is often the heaviest cost item. See our guide on energy renovation grants to finance the works.
Compliance procedure
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Audit | Identify non-compliance issues (electrical, EPC, safety) | 2 - 4 weeks |
| 2. Quotes | Obtain minimum 3 quotes for each item | 2 - 4 weeks |
| 3. Grants | Apply for regional grants | 2 - 8 weeks |
| 4. Works | Execution of works | 1 - 12 weeks |
| 5. Inspections | New certificates (electrical, EPC) | 2 - 4 weeks |
| 6. Diagnostics | Complete all mandatory diagnostics | 1 - 2 weeks |
Plan the compliance works between two tenants. The property is empty, tradespeople have free access, and the works do not disturb anyone. Use this period to also carry out cosmetic refreshes.
A rental management software helps you plan the works, track quotes and centralise the new compliance certificates.
Frequently asked questions
-
Each Region sets its own standards: minimum floor area, ceiling height, natural light, ventilation, electrical safety, heating, smoke detectors and minimum EPC score. The standards are defined in the regional housing codes.
-
No. The property must comply with regional standards at the time the lease is signed. Letting a non-compliant property exposes the landlord to penalties and the tenant can request a rent reduction or lease termination.
-
Costs vary enormously: from EUR 500 (detectors, electrical labelling) to over EUR 30,000 (complete electrical renovation, EPC insulation, structural compliance). A preliminary audit identifies priority items.