New rent scale in Brussels (July 2025): what every landlord needs to know

Diamant Consulter
Jul 16
3 min read

A strengthened legal framework since May 2025

Since May 1, 2025, the Brussels-Capital Region has tightened rent controls through a new ordinance adopted on April 4. The principle is simple: if the rent charged exceeds the reference rent calculated using the official simulator by more than 20%, it is presumed to be excessive. It is now up to the landlord to justify this excess.

This reform transforms a previously indicative scale into a legal tool. It aims to protect tenants from excessive rents, while imposing greater transparency on landlords.

What is the purpose of the rent scale?

The indicative grid available on louers.brussels is a simulator set up by the Region. It calculates a reference rent based on the specific characteristics of the property:

Living area
Number of rooms
Location (municipality, district)
Year of construction
Facilities (elevator, equipped kitchen, insulation, etc.)
Energy performance

The result provides a rent range (minimum, average, maximum). Since 2021, this indicative rent must be included in all new leases signed in Brussels. Since May 2025, exceeding the rent without clear justification may result in an appeal by the tenant or a rent review before a Joint Rental Committee.

How to use the official simulator

The website louers.brussels allows you to estimate the reference rent for free. Here's how to do it:

Enter the exact address or select the municipality.
Indicate the living area, the number of bedrooms, the year of construction.
Check the available equipment (elevator, terrace, double glazing, fitted kitchen, etc.).
You will receive an estimate of the rent, to be included in the lease.

This document is essential: it serves as a reference in the event of a dispute. It is also useful for objectifying your position as a landlord.

What to do if the reference rent is exceeded?

If you believe that a rent that is more than 20% higher than the scale is justified, you must demonstrate this with concrete evidence. Among the criteria often recognized as justification:

Complete or high-end renovation
High-quality materials (solid parquet, built-in appliances, premium finishes)
Strategic location (proximity to European institutions, transport, universities)
High energy performance (PEB A or B)
Additional services (private parking, concierge, garden, security, etc.)

Every statement must be documented: invoices, certificates, dated photos, technical descriptions. A simple verbal statement is not enough.

What are the risks for owners?

The entry into force of this ordinance strengthens obligations and increases the number of areas requiring attention. Here are the main risks in the event of negligence:

Setting an excessive rent : dispute by the tenant, request for review or even partial reimbursement of the rent received.
Failure to mention the indicative rent : partial nullity of the contract, legal uncertainty.
Poorly written or oral lease : difficulty asserting your rights in the event of a conflict.
Failure to register the lease on official platforms (IRISbox for the Region, MyRent for the federal state): administrative sanctions and loss of certain legal rights.

Risk	Explanation	Consequence
Rent too high	> 20% above the grid	Presumed abusive, possible recourse by the tenant
Very poorly equipped	Outdated kitchen, poor insulation	Decrease in estimated rental value
Non-compliant lease	Missing indicative rent or oral lease	Risk of legal challenge
Non-registration	Obligation via IRISbox + MyRent	Fine + loss of certain rights

How to Stay Compliant (and Maximize Your Rent)

Calculate the indicative rent on louers.brussels
Keep all evidence if you exceed the grid (invoices, photos, PEB certificates, etc.)
Write a compliant lease (with mandatory information)
Register the lease on IRISbox (regional) and MyRent (federal)
When in doubt: get help!