Rent indexation 2026: what changes this year
In 2026, the health index continues to evolve. In December 2025, it served as the reference for leases whose anniversary falls in January 2026. The EPC correction factors have been renewed with minor adjustments. A review is scheduled for March 2026.
The formula remains unchanged: Indexed rent = Base rent x (New index / Starting index) x EPC factor. The new index is the one for the month preceding the anniversary of the lease coming into effect.
Rent indexation 2026 Belgium: the 3 regional systems
| Region | EPC A-D | EPC F-G |
|---|---|---|
| Wallonia | 100% | 0% (blocked) |
| Brussels | 100% | Reduced or nil |
| Flanders | Own rules | Own rules |
Rent indexation in Belgium in 2026 remains fragmented across the three regions. See Wallonia — Brussels — 3-region comparison — EPC and indexation.
Rent indexation vs wage indexation 2026
The two are frequently confused. Wage indexation and rent indexation are two distinct mechanisms.
| Criterion | Rent indexation | Wage indexation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Annual, lease anniversary | Varies by joint committee |
| Index | Monthly health index | Smoothed health index |
| Legal framework | Civil Code + regional decrees | Collective agreements, automatic wage indexation |
| Authority | FPS Finance, Statbel | FPS Employment |
| Purpose | Rental income | Purchasing power |
Joint committees and wage indexation 2026
The most affected joint committees: JC 200 (commerce and services, approx. 500,000 employees, smoothed health index), JC 111 (metalworking), JC 121 (cleaning), JC 209 (construction), JC 306 (insurance), JC 336 (liberal professions). An employee earning 4,000 euros gross per month will see their salary indexed according to the committee rate. Meal vouchers are not automatically indexed.
BailBelgique does not cover wage indexation. Consult the FPS Employment or your sector-specific collective agreement.
Pivot index and the public sector
The public sector, social benefits and pensions follow the smoothed health index: when the pivot index is exceeded, salaries are indexed by 2%. This is separate from the private sector.
Rent indexation calendar 2026
- December 2025: reference index for leases with an anniversary in January 2026.
- March 2026: regional budget review, possible EPC adjustments.
- 2026 and 2028: outlook subject to any budget agreement.
- Every month: new index published by Statbel.
The 2026 indexation rules apply until officially amended. Health index table — Unregistered lease and indexation — Tenant verification tool — Letter template.
Frequently asked questions
Which index for January 2026?
The health index for December 2025. See the index table.
Can a tenant refuse?
Yes, if the calculation is incorrect or the EPC blocks indexation. Verification tool.
JC 200: who is concerned?
Approximately 500,000 employees in Belgium. This page does not cover wages. Consult the FPS Employment.
Retroactive?
Limited to 3 months.
EPC improves from F to C?
As soon as the new certificate is issued, the right to index applies from the next lease anniversary.