New EPC Rules 2026–2030: what does this mean for landlords?

Since 2023, the rules for rent indexation in Belgium have changed significantly for properties with a poor energy performance certificate (EPC). If your property has an EPC label E, F or G, you may be partly or completely restricted in applying rent indexation. In this article we explain what the rules are per region and what you can do about it.

What is the EPC label and why does it matter?

The energy performance certificate (EPC) indicates how energy-efficient a property is. The label runs from A+ (very energy-efficient) to G (very inefficient).¹ Since 2023, this label directly determines whether you as a landlord may index your rent.

The reasoning behind this is straightforward: tenants in energy-inefficient homes already pay high energy bills. Allowing full rent indexation on top of that was considered socially unfair. The governments of the three regions therefore introduced correction factors.

Rules in Flanders (2023–2030)

In Flanders the strictest rules apply for leases concluded from 1 January 2023:²

EPC label	2023–2025	2026–2027	2028–2029	From 2030
A/B/C	✅ Full	✅ Full	✅ Full	✅ Full
D	✅ Full	⚠️ 50%	⚠️ 50%	✅ Full
E	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted
F	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted
G	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted	🚫 Not permitted

The 50% correction for label D means that only half of the calculated rent increase may be applied. If the formula gives an increase of €40, the tenant pays only €20 extra.

Rules in Brussels

Brussels applies similar rules, but with some regional differences.³ The correction factors are comparable, but the implementation dates differ slightly. Our calculator automatically applies the correct rules for your region.

Rules in Wallonia

Wallonia also introduced EPC-related restrictions on rent indexation from 2023.⁴ The exact correction factors depend on the EPC label and the year of the contract. Our calculator takes this into account automatically.

What can you do as a landlord?

If your property has a poor EPC label, there are a few options:

Renovate: Energy-saving investments such as insulation, new windows or a heat pump improve the EPC label. This also benefits the tenant through lower energy bills.
Apply for subsidies: Both the Flemish, Brussels and Walloon governments offer substantial subsidies for energy renovation.
Accept the restriction: If renovation is not immediately feasible, you temporarily apply the correction factor or skip indexation.

Does your EPC label affect your indexation?

Our calculator and rent tool automatically detects the correct rules based on your region, EPC label and contract date.

Check now →

Legal sources

The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is mandatory for all residential rental properties in Belgium since 2009.
Decree of the Flemish Government of 2 September 2022 on the energy correction for rent indexation. Applicable to leases concluded from 1 January 2023.
Brussels Capital Region Ordinance on energy correction for rent indexation, 2022.
Walloon Region decree on EPC-related restrictions on rent indexation, 2023.