Are you renting in Brussel ? Discover the New Regulation on Excessive Rents!

Since May 1, 2025, a new ordinance has been enforced to combat excessive rents in the Brussels region. This measure, adopted by the Brussels Parliament, aims to protect tenants from unfair rental practices and ensure a more equitable real estate market.

What is an Excessive Rent?

A rent is considered excessive if it exceeds by more than 20% the reference rent determined by the Brussels Region's rent grid. This grid, available on the loyers.brussels website, considers various criteria such as surface area, location, and specific characteristics of the housing.

It is essential to understand that this grid is not merely indicative but now serves as a legal reference to determine if a rent is excessive.

How to Check if Your Rent is Excessive?

Checking if your rent is excessive only takes a few minutes thanks to an online form with six simple steps.

Here's how to proceed:

1. Access the Official Website: Visit loyers.brussels.
2. Enter Your Address: Provide the exact address of your rental.
3. Specify Housing Characteristics: Enter details such as surface area, number of rooms, and the general condition of the housing.
4. Compare with the Rent Grid: The site will provide the reference rent for your housing.
5. Calculate the Difference: Check if your current rent exceeds the reference rent by more than 20%.
6. Consult Available Recourses: If your rent is deemed excessive, the site will guide you through the steps to request a revision.

This process is simple and quick, and it's definitely worth taking a few minutes to check and potentially save hundreds of euros each year.

What to Do if You Think You Are Paying an Excessive Rent?

If you suspect that your rent is excessive, you now have several recourses. You can request a non-binding opinion from the Joint Rental Commission (CPL), which can organize a conciliation between the parties. If no agreement is reached, the justice of the peace can be contacted for a rent revision. It is important to note that the revised rent can retroactively apply up to four months before the date of filing the introductory act, potentially offering a refund for overpaid rents.

Exceptions and Justifications

It is important to note that even if a rent exceeds the reference rent by 20%, it may not be considered excessive if it is justified by substantial comfort elements or exceptional characteristics of the housing or its environment.

For example, a recently renovated housing with high-end equipment or an exceptional location may justify a higher rent. Conversely, a rent may be deemed excessive even if it does not exceed this 20% threshold if it has substantial quality defects, such as humidity problems, heating, or insulation issues.

Conclusion

This new ordinance represents a significant advancement in tenant protection and a fairer real estate market. As a tenant, it is crucial to know your rights and the available recourses in case of excessive rent. Take a few minutes to check your rent and ensure you are paying a fair price for your housing.

For more information, you can consult the official websites of the Brussels Region and Bruxelles Logement.

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