EN
Since June 12, 2025, Wallonia finally has concrete tools to fight housing discrimination. The implementation decree of November 30, 2023 introduces direct administrative fines and a reinforced control system. Here's what you need to know as a tenant.
No more impunity for discriminating landlords. The new sanctions are clear: €500, €1,500 or €3,000 fines depending on the severity of the facts. These amounts will be indexed every five years from 2026. The more discriminatory criteria used, the heavier the fine.
The big news? The Walloon Public Service can now conduct discrimination tests. Agents pose as fake rental candidates to detect discriminatory practices. An effective method to prove the impossible to prove.
Walloon data reveals the scale of the problem:
Phrases like "Belgian nationals only" or "no children" in ads? It's over.
Think you're a victim of discrimination? Document everything: ads, emails, testimonials. Contact the SPW or specialized associations. Even discriminations that seem "minor" deserve to be reported.
The prohibited discrimination criteria remain unchanged: origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religious beliefs, disability, financial situation... The list is long and effectively protects tenants.
Good news: collected fines directly fund the Walloon Housing Fund. A virtuous circle that uses sanctions to improve housing access for everyone.
For you, tenant: your rights are finally protected by real sanctions. For good faith landlords: an opportunity to check that their practices comply with the law. For discriminators: beware, Wallonia is no longer joking around.
Unia - Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities
Walloon Public Service (SPW)
Specialized associations
This legal revolution marks a decisive turning point. Access to housing is a fundamental right that can no longer be hindered by discriminatory considerations. Wallonia sends a strong signal: equality in housing access is no longer an option, it's a sanctioned obligation.
