Rent increase after works: conditions in Belgium
Can you increase the rent after works in Belgium? Conditions, calculation, procedure, and differences between the three regions.
- 01 The rules
- 02 Calculating the increase
- 03 Procedure
- 04 When to increase
Rules for rent increases after works
| Situation | Increase possible | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| During the lease (same tenant) | Only with tenant’s agreement | Lease amendment |
| Between two leases (new tenant) | Free | New lease |
| Triennial revision | Yes, if rental value increased by 20%+ | Application to the justice of the peace |
| Brussels (reference grid) | If rent below post-works grid | Application to the judge (revision) |
The landlord can never impose a unilateral increase during the lease (except indexation). Works do not create an automatic right to increase the rent.
Calculating the increase
Types of works and impact
| Type of works | Impact on rental value | Reasonable increase |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation (EPC) | High | 8-15% |
| New kitchen | Medium-high | 5-12% |
| New bathroom | Medium-high | 5-12% |
| Painting, flooring | Low | 0-5% |
| Roof, structure | Low (maintenance) | 0% (landlord’s obligation) |
Maintenance and repair works are the landlord’s obligation (article 1720 of the Civil Code) and do not justify an increase. Only improvement works (adding value) are a valid argument.
Triennial revision
Every 3 years, the landlord may request a rent revision from the justice of the peace if the rental value has increased by at least 20% compared to the current rent. Significant works can justify this increase.
Procedure by region
In Brussels
The Brussels reference rent grid (indicative grid) can justify a revision if the current rent is below the post-works reference rent. The application is made to the justice of the peace.
In Wallonia and Flanders
No mandatory reference grid. The increase relies on the tenant’s agreement (amendment) or the triennial revision before the judge.
[!important] Legal point A lease amendment modifying the rent must be signed by both parties and registered. Without the tenant’s written agreement, no increase is possible during the lease.
See our guide on setting the rent and recoverable charges.
When to increase the rent after works
The optimal moment is between two leases: set a new rent adapted to the market for the new tenant. During the lease, favour negotiation with the tenant rather than court proceedings.
Create your lease online with an adapted rent and manage your properties with a rental management software.
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes, but only between two leases or with the tenant's agreement during the lease. The landlord cannot unilaterally impose an increase during the lease, even after major works. In Brussels, the reference rent grid may justify a revision.
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There is no fixed legal percentage. The increase must be proportional to the added value of the works. In practice, an increase of 5 to 15% is common for significant improvement works (kitchen, bathroom, EPC).
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Yes, improving the EPC certificate (insulation, heating) is a strong argument to justify an increase. The tenant benefits from lower energy charges. In Brussels, the reference rent grid incorporates the EPC score.