This update is based on a large-scale survey conducted between 8 June and 20 October 2024. The criteria and the method of calculation remain the same. The Centre d’Études en Habitat Durable de Wallonie carried out a statistical analysis of the results, taking factors such as location, surface area, type of construction, energy performance into account and including additional conveniences such as garages, gardens, swimming pools or a high-quality finish.
According to the competent minister, the purpose of the revised grid is to discourage excessive rent prices and to help create a balanced market, while not undermining the freedom of pricing.
The updated grid of rent prices for residential properties can be consulted via the following link: 05_1.pdf
A similar system also exists in the Brussels-Capital Region. Details of this can be found in one of our previous newsletters: Restrictions on the level of housing rental prices in Brussels using the indicative grid – Monard Law
In the Walloon Region, the grid is less far-reaching than in the Brussels-Capital Region, which is characterised by a heavily regulated system accompanied by actual means of enforcement. In Brussels, for example, rent prices more than 20% above the reference rent are prohibited. Rent prices at that level are automatically regarded as “excessive”, unless the landlord can demonstrate that they are justifiable, for example, because the property offers exceptional levels of comfort or even due to shortcomings in the property.
Wallonia, on the other hand, has opted for a much less onerous approach. In contrast to the situation in Brussels, no legally mandated ceiling such as the restriction that rental prices should not be more than 20% above the reference rent actually exists. The grid of reference prices in force in Wallonia only operates as a non-binding reference tool. Wallonia also lacks a Joint Rental Commission (“commission paritaire locative”/”paritaire huurcommissie”) with the ability to assess rent prices and issue recommendations in disputes, which is something that does exist in Brussels.
