Lease and letting permit in Wallonia
The letting permit in Wallonia: when is it mandatory, how to obtain it, cost, validity period and penalties for non-compliance.
When is the rental permit mandatory?
The rental permit is a Walloon specificity. It does not exist in Brussels or Flanders. It is governed by the Walloon Sustainable Housing Code (Articles 9 to 13).
The permit is mandatory for:
| Property type | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Habitable area below 28 m2 | Yes |
| Shared accommodation (shared facilities) | Yes |
| Property above/below a shop | Yes |
| Student accommodation (below 28 m2 or shared) | Yes |
| Standard property (28 m2 or more, self-contained) | No |
| Social housing | No (specific regime) |
The permit must be obtained before putting the property on the rental market. Renting without a permit when one is required constitutes an offence punishable by a fine.
The rental permit only exists in Wallonia. In Brussels and Flanders, compliance standards are verified through other mechanisms (regional inspection, Flemish conformiteitsattest). For rules in other Regions, consult our guides on EPC Brussels and rights in Flanders.
How to obtain the rental permit
Procedure
- Submit an application to the municipality where the property is located
- Prepare the property: it must meet Walloon minimum standards for safety, health and habitability
- Receive the inspection: a municipal officer or approved body visits the property
- Obtain the decision: the municipality issues the permit (within 60 days) or refuses with reasons
Required documents
- Application form (available from the municipality)
- Plans or sketches of the property
- Electrical compliance certificate (RGIE)
- Valid EPC certificate
- Smoke detector certificate
Standards to meet
The property must satisfy the Walloon Code criteria:
- Minimum area per occupant (9 m2 for 1 person, 12 m2 for 2)
- Ceiling height: 2.20 m minimum
- Sufficient natural light
- Compliant ventilation
- Certified electrical installation
- No structural damp
- Smoke detectors installed
The compliance check
Who inspects?
Walloon municipalities may carry out the inspection themselves (via a municipal officer) or delegate to an approved body. The inspection is free for the landlord.
What is checked?
| Criterion | Check points |
|---|---|
| Safety | Electricity, gas, detectors, stairs |
| Health | Damp, ventilation, lighting, aeration |
| Habitability | Area, height, sanitary facilities, heating |
| Equipment | Kitchen, sanitary facilities, hot water |
Inspection result
- Compliant: permit issued for 5 years
- Non-compliant with minor works: provisional permit (6-12 months) + deadline for works
- Non-compliant: reasoned refusal + obligation to bring into compliance before new application
Penalties for non-compliance
For the landlord
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Renting without a permit (when required) | Fine of EUR 500 to EUR 12,500 |
| Renting despite permit refusal | Fine + rental prohibition |
| Non-renewal at expiry | Fine + regularisation order |
| Repeat offence | Double the fine |
For the tenant
The tenant is not penalised. On the contrary, they may report the absence of a permit to the municipality and benefit from protections:
- The lease remains valid (no nullity)
- The tenant may request a rent reduction before the Justice of the Peace
- The tenant may demand compliance work
Checking the permit exists
Before signing a lease in Wallonia, ask the landlord for a copy of the rental permit. If they cannot provide one for a property that requires one, report it to the municipality.
To create a lease compliant with Walloon standards, use our online lease generator. For more information, consult our guide on residential leases in Belgium.