Housing safety standards
In the Brussels-Capital Region, every dwelling must meet minimum standards for safety, sanitation and facilities. Properties that fail to meet these requirements risk being banned from rental.
What are the standards?
Housing standards primarily focus on the following points:
| Safety | Sanitation | Basic facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Structural stability of the building Electricity Gas Heating Sewers | Damp Pests Lighting Ventilation Minimum surface areas Ceiling height Access to the property | Cold water Hot water WC Electrical system Heating Cooking equipment Smoke alarms |
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.
Downloads (only available in French and Dutch)
Obligations and risks
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.
At the municipal level
The Mayor of the municipality can issue an unsanitary order (based on Article 135 of the New Municipal Law) if they believe the issues concern safety and public health which fall within their discretionary powers. Depending on the case, the Mayor can order the owner to carry out the work, have the work done by the municipality or a third party at the owner's expense, and order the occupants to vacate the property within a certain timeframe or even immediately. The Mayor can also seal the property if the property's insanitary nature threatens public health or safety.
