Brussels Housing Code : an overview of local housing regulations
The Brussels Housing Code includes all measures intended to regulate the quality of rental properties.
The right to decent housing
The Brussels Housing Code is one of the instruments established to improve the often unsatisfactory living conditions of tenants in Brussels. It aims to make the right to decent housing, as proclaimed by Article 23 of the Belgian Constitution, a reality for all tenants in Brussels.
The Code is based on a series of formalities to be completed to verify the condition of a rental property, focusing on safety, sanitation and the level of the facilities. It is also designed to encourage the renovation of substandard housing.
A complete overhaul in 2013
On 11 July 2013, Parliament adopted an ordinance amending the Brussels Housing Code.
The purpose of this ordinance was to carry out a complete overhaul of the existing text of the Brussels Housing Code, adopted on 17 July 2003, replacing its content with that set out in the 2013 ordinance.
This overhaul resulted in a renumbering of the articles.
Regionalisation of residential leases in 2018
With the 6th State Reform, the Brussels-Capital Region gained authority over residential leases.
The Government has taken this opportunity to strengthen its housing policy and improve relations between landlords and tenants.
Table of Contents
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE I. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE II. - THE RIGHT TO HOUSING
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE III. - HOUSING POLICY INSTRUMENTS
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE IV. - BODIES RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE V. - SUPERVISION AND CONTROL METHODS
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE VI. - SOCIAL, LOW-INCOME AND MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING LEASED BY SLRB AND SISPs
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE VII. - MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE VIII. - MEANS OF ACTION
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE IX. - ITINERANT HOUSING
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE X. - EQUAL TREATMENT AND COMBATING DISCRIMINATION (repealed since the creation of the bhg.common.blank_link_warningBrussels Code of Equality, Non-discrimination and the Promotion of Diversity)
- bhg.common.blank_link_warningTITLE XI. - RESIDENTIAL LEASES