Housing safety standards

Housing standards primarily focus on the following points: 

For example, a property could be considered non-compliant in the following situations: 

• Damp issues: traces of moisture on walls or ceilings that affect air quality and can harm your health.
• Lack of natural light
• Heating not working properly or non-compliant boiler
• No hot water
• Electrical problems: the electrical system does not work properly and/or does not meet safety standards.
• Sanitation issues: presence of mould, pests, insects, rats, etc.
• Safety issues: risk of fire, collapse, etc.

New minimum standards for safe and healthy housing will come into force from 2026.

A landlord wishing to rent out a property must comply with these standards and undertake any work required to do so. In case of doubt, it may be useful to seek professional advice from a builder, architect or engineer. 

On its own initiative, after receiving a non-compliance warning, or following a complaint, Brussels Housing conducts inspections: 

• If the accommodation is found to be non-compliant, the landlord must carry out the necessary work to bring the property up to standard (with a 12-month deadline from the date of the formal notice, which can be extended in the event of circumstances beyond the landlord's control).
• If the accommodation presents imminent and serious risks to the occupant's safety and health, it could be immediately banned from rental.
• An administrative fine of between €2,000 and €25,000 can be imposed on the landlord. If the landlord continues to rent out a property that has been banned from rental, they risk a €4,000 fine. 

To have the ban lifted, the landlord must request a certificate of compliance, which will only be issued if the property meets all the basic requirements.