Role of Statbel in rent indexation
Statbel is the Belgian statistical office, a service of the FPS Economy. Its role in rent indexation is central: Statbel calculates and publishes the health index every month, the official reference value for calculating rent indexation in Belgium.
Without Statbel, no indexation would be possible. Every indexation request relies on two values published by this body: the starting health index and the new health index. These figures are authoritative in case of a dispute before the justice of the peace.
To understand the link between the health index and rent: health index guide. For the general framework: indexation pillar guide.
Indices published by Statbel
Monthly health index
The health index is published every month, generally within the first 10 working days of the following month. It reflects the evolution of consumer prices excluding tobacco, alcohol and fuels. It is the only valid index for rent indexation.
Consumer price index (CPI)
The CPI is the general index that includes all products, including tobacco, alcohol and fuels. It is always higher than the health index. Using the CPI instead of the health index to index a rent is a common error.
Smoothed health index
The smoothed health index is a 4-month moving average, used for wage indexation and the pivot index. It is not used for rents.
Summary table
| Index | Use for rent | Use for wages | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly health index | Yes | No | Monthly |
| General CPI | No | No | Monthly |
| Smoothed health index | No | Yes | Monthly |
| Pivot index | No | Yes (threshold) | When exceeded |
For detailed values: health index table.
Where to find Statbel data
Official website
The statbel.fgov.be website offers several ways to access the indices:
- “Figures” > “Economy” > “Price indices” section: complete monthly tables
- Press releases: monthly publication with trend analysis
- Open data: downloadable files in CSV format for developers
How to read Statbel tables
The indices are presented with the base year 2013 = 100. To find the index for your lease, locate the month preceding the signing date (starting index) and the month preceding the anniversary of entry into force (new index).
Precautions
- Make sure you are looking at the health index and not the general CPI.
- Always wait for the official publication before calculating. Never use a provisional index.
- Values published by Statbel are final and are not subject to subsequent revision.
The Statbel rent calculator
Statbel provides an online calculator on its website. This tool allows you to calculate the indexed rent by entering the base rent, the signing date and the anniversary date.
Strengths of the Statbel calculator
- Official data integrated directly from the Statbel database
- Reliable calculation for standard cases (EPC A-D, no restriction)
- Simple and accessible interface
Limitations of the Statbel calculator
- No EPC consideration: the calculator does not know the energy class of the property and does not apply regional correction factors
- No letter generation: no notification template is provided
- No regional distinction: the result is identical regardless of the region, which may be incorrect for poorly rated properties
Limitations of the Statbel tool for indexation
The Statbel calculator is a good starting point, but it is not sufficient for a compliant indexation in 2026. The EPC restrictions introduced since 2022-2023 are not integrated into the official tool.
| Feature | Statbel | BailBelgique |
|---|---|---|
| Official health indices | Yes | Yes |
| Base formula | Yes | Yes |
| Regional EPC factor | No | Yes |
| Letter generation | No | Yes |
| Tenant verification | No | Yes |
| History per lease | No | Yes |
For a complete calculation that integrates EPC restrictions: BailBelgique calculator. For restriction details: EPC and indexation.
Alternatives and complements to Statbel
FPS Finance - MyRent
The FPS Finance manages lease registration via MyRent. Although it is not an indexation calculation tool, it allows you to verify whether a lease is properly registered — a prerequisite for any indexation.
FPS Economy
The FPS Economy also publishes monthly inflation analyses and price trend factors. This information contextualises the variations of the health index.
BailBelgique calculator
Our indexation calculator uses the same Statbel indices but adds regional EPC factors, automatic generation of the indexation letter, and a tenant verification tool.
Indexation pillar guide — Health index table — Health index guide — Indexation calculation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Statbel an official body?
Yes. Statbel is the Belgian statistical office, part of the FPS Economy. Its data are authoritative before the justice of the peace.
Are the indices free?
Yes. All indices are freely accessible on statbel.fgov.be, without registration.
Does the Statbel calculator include the EPC?
No. It applies the base formula without regional correction factors. Use a comprehensive calculator for properties subject to EPC restrictions.
Index not yet published?
Wait for the official publication (first 10 working days of the following month). Never use an estimate or provisional index.
Statbel data before the justice of the peace?
Yes. Statbel indices are the official reference. No other source has the same evidentiary value.