Regional Housing Inspectorate (DIRL)
The Regional Housing Inspectorate (Direction de l'Inspection Régionale du Logement, DIRL - Directie Gewestelijke Huisvestingsinspectie) guarantees the right to decent housing for all tenants in the Brussels-Capital Region. It checks housing compliance, combats discrimination and awards the student housing label.
Housing compliance checks
The DIRL checks that rental properties or those destined for rental comply with the mandatory safety, health and equipment standards.
Investigations
The DIRL investigates complaints lodged by tenants, municipalities, Public Centres for Social Welfare (PCSW) and other legally designated housing stakeholders. It can also act on its own initiative and based on warnings of non-compliance issued by the Rent Allowances and Unoccupied Homes Department (DALLI).
Conformity check attestation
The DIRL issues a conformity check attestation at the request of the landlord when the latter has carried out the necessary work in a dwelling that cannot be rented out because it did not meet basic safety, health and equipment standards. The application systematically leads to an investigation.
This document must be obtained before re-letting, otherwise there may be a fine.
Certificate of conformity
The DIRL issues a certificate of conformity at the request of the rights holder who wishes to verify, before renting out a vacant dwelling, that the dwelling complies with basic safety, health, and equipment standards. A request automatically triggers an inspection.
Requesting this certificate is an opportunity, not a requirement.
Combating discrimination in housing
Once the discrimination complaint or report has been received by the DIRL, the case is reviewed to determine if the reported facts are likely to constitute a housing discrimination offence.
The DIRL may conduct a discrimination test if the legal conditions have been met and if this is necessary to establish the existence of the offence.
Granting of the quality student housing label
The DIRL awards the "quality student accommodation" label. To this end, it receives and processes label applications submitted on a special form.
Appeals
The landlord or tenant may appeal against final technical decisions and fine decisions taken by the DIRL to the Delegated Official:
Brussels Regional Public Service
Delegated official
Brussels Housing
Housing Legal Affairs Department
Place Saint-Lazare 2
1035 Brussels
Activity reports
Annual activity reports are available on the Documentation page of Brussels Housing.
Legal basis
COMPLIANCE
Brussels Housing Code
- Opens in new windowTITLE III. - Housing policy instruments
Opens in new windowCHAPTER 1 - Housing safety, health and equipment requirements
Opens in new window(Articles 4 to 14)
Implementing orders
Minimum requirements:
- Opens in new windowDecree of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region of 4 September 2003 determining the basic requirements for safety, sanitation and facilities of properties
- Informal coordination of basic safety, health and equipment requirements for properties
Fire detection:
DIRL procedures and Regional Solidarity Fund:
Ministerial Decree
Minimum requirements (evaluation grid):
QUALITY STUDENT HOUSING LABEL
Brussels Housing Code
- Opens in new windowTITLE III. - Residential leases
Opens in new windowCHAPTER IV. - Rules specific to student housing leases
Opens in new windowArticle 254
Implementing order
DISCRIMINATION
Brussels Housing Code
- Opens in new windowTITLE X. - Equal treatment and combating discrimination
Opens in new window(Article 192 to 214g)
(Please note: see also the latest modifications: Opens in new windowOrder of 9 June 2022 amending the Brussels Housing Code with regard to equal treatment for women and men and the fight against discrimination)
Implementing order