Renting with a poor EPC? How to avoid a rental ban
From 2030, landlords with a poor EPC label risk being unable to rent out their property. Especially in Flanders, the rules are strict and concrete. The energy label is no longer a formality; it determines whether a property can remain on the rental market.
Flanders: a strict path towards a rental ban
The Flemish government has developed a clear step-by-step plan that becomes stricter over the coming years. From 2028, the rent of properties with label E and F may no longer be indexed. Two years later, in 2030, a real rental ban comes into effect. Semi-detached and detached homes must then achieve at least label E, while terraced houses and apartments need at least label D.
From 2035, the standard shifts again to label D for semi-detached and detached homes and label C for terraced houses and apartments.
Ultimately, from 2040, all properties must achieve at least label C. Those who do not meet the standards risk having their property declared unfit and simply no longer being allowed to rent it out.
Thomas - Immo Liv'it rental team
Fines and inspections
The Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA) oversees compliance. Those without an EPC risk a fine between €500 and €5,000 and must still have a certificate drawn up. If an EPC is incorrectly or carelessly drawn up, the energy expert receives the fine. A fine never exempts the owner from the obligation: the EPC remains mandatory as long as the property is offered for rent.
What does this mean for landlords?
The EPC becomes a decisive factor for the future of your rental property. Especially in Flanders, you can avoid an effective rental ban from 2030 by timely planning renovations and getting your property in order.
Advice:
- Check your EPC label today.
- Plan renovations in time.
- Consider the upcoming indexation stop from 2028 and the rental ban from 2030.
This way, you prevent your property from becoming uninhabitable and maintain its value and attractiveness.
Brussels and Wallonia: less concrete, but be cautious
Also outside Flanders, there is movement. In Brussels, all properties must achieve at least label E by 2033. The worst labels F and G will disappear. In Wallonia, there are plans to impose stricter labels from 2028, but these have not yet been legally established. For now, there are no hard obligations there.
When is an EPC required?
At the start of every new lease agreement, you must provide a valid EPC to the tenant. If the certificate expires during an ongoing lease, no new EPC needs to be drawn up as long as the same tenant remains. However, be careful with indexations: only a valid certificate counts; an expired EPC is invalid.
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Frequently Asked Questions about EPC and renting
Do I need to create a new EPC during an ongoing lease?
No, only a new lease agreement requires a new EPC.
Can I index the rent with label E or F?
Currently, yes, but from 2028, indexing is prohibited in Flanders.
What if I don't have an EPC when renting?
Then you avoid problems by still having an EPC drawn up; otherwise, you risk a fine of €500 to €5,000.
Can I still rent with label F from 2030?
Not in Flanders: semi-detached and detached homes must achieve at least label E, terraced houses and apartments label D.
What about Brussels and Wallonia?
In Brussels, label E is the minimum from 2033. In Wallonia, there are plans, but no legal obligations yet.
