Skip to main content
Brussels Capital-Region - Homepage

Brussels Housing Code : an overview of local housing regulations

The Brussels Housing Code includes all measures intended to regulate the quality of rental properties.

The right to decent housing

The Brussels Housing Code is one of the instruments established to improve the often unsatisfactory living conditions of tenants in Brussels. It aims to make the right to decent housing, as proclaimed by Article 23 of the Belgian Constitution, a reality for all tenants in Brussels. 

The Code is based on a series of formalities to be completed to verify the condition of a rental property, focusing on safety, sanitation and the level of the facilities. It is also designed to encourage the renovation of substandard housing. 

A complete overhaul in 2013

On 11 July 2013, Parliament adopted an ordinance amending the Brussels Housing Code. 

The purpose of this ordinance was to carry out a complete overhaul of the existing text of the Brussels Housing Code, adopted on 17 July 2003, replacing its content with that set out in the 2013 ordinance. 

This overhaul resulted in a renumbering of the articles. 

Regionalisation of residential leases in 2018

With the 6th State Reform, the Brussels-Capital Region gained authority over residential leases. 
The Government has taken this opportunity to strengthen its housing policy and improve relations between landlords and tenants. 

The new regulations (see TITLE XI of the Brussels Housing Code below) include significant updates on topics such as shared housing, student leases, short-term leases and measures to combat discrimination. 

Table of Contents

Legal basis

Back to top