In short: to let a home in Belgium you always need an EPC (with the score in the advert), smoke detectors, a registered lease and a check-in inspection report. In Flanders, more and more municipalities require a conformity certificate; in Wallonia you need a rental permit for small homes, student rooms and shared housing.
The checklist
| Obligation | When | Region |
|---|---|---|
| EPC (energy performance certificate) | Before advertising; score in the advert; annex to the lease | All regions |
| Smoke detectors | Before the tenant moves in | All regions |
| Conformity certificate | Where the municipality requires it | Flanders |
| Rental permit | Small homes, student rooms, shared housing | Wallonia |
| Lease registration | Within 2 months of signing | All regions |
| Check-in inspection report | At move-in, drawn up by both parties | All regions |
| Fire insurance | Before the lease starts | Mandatory for both parties in Flanders |
EPC
The energy performance certificate must exist before you advertise, and its score must appear in every advert. It's a mandatory annex to the lease. A poor EPC can also limit indexation; see Rent Indexation in Belgium.
Smoke detectors
A rented home must have compliant smoke detectors. In principle the landlord installs them and the tenant handles routine maintenance, such as testing them. The number and placement depend on the region.
Conformity certificate (Flanders)
The conformity certificate (conformiteitsattest) confirms the home meets Flemish safety, health and quality standards. It's mandatory in municipalities that impose it by local regulation, and that list is growing. It's in principle valid for 10 years. Check with your municipality.
Rental permit (Wallonia)
In Wallonia you need a permis de location for small homes, student rooms and shared housing. The municipality issues it after inspecting the home.
Registration and check-in report
The lease must be registered within two months, and the check-in report is mandatory, drawn up by both parties.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EPC mandatory to let a home?
Yes, in all regions. It must exist before you advertise, and the score must appear in the advert.
Who installs smoke detectors in a rental?
In principle the landlord; the tenant handles routine maintenance.
Is a conformity certificate mandatory in Flanders?
It's mandatory in municipalities that impose it. Check with your municipality.
When do I need a rental permit in Wallonia?
For small homes, student rooms and shared housing.
Everything in one place, with reminders
In ImmoDesk you keep the EPC, certificates and the lease per property, and create tasks with a due date, for example to have the smoke detectors checked or renew a certificate. You get an email reminder. Try ImmoDesk free for 7 days, no credit card required.
General information valid in 2026, not legal advice. Rules differ by region and municipality. Check your situation with your municipality or a lawyer.
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