The Brussels-Capital Region wants to prevent “excessive” rents

To prevent excessive rents, from 1 December 2021 the reference rent must be included in all new leases for properties located in the Brussels-Capital Region. What does this mean? We explain everything!

What is the reference rent?

Article 5 of the Brussels Ordinance on the “Joint Rental Commission” (CPL) states that the parties to the lease agreement must indicate “the reference rent for the property concerned or the range of rents around the reference rent for the property concerned, as set out in the indicative rent grid“.
In practical terms, every landlord in Brussels will have to include a line stating this reference value.
The aim is to “offer conciliation to both parties if the rent is considered unfair”, explains Brussels MP Joëlle Maison (DéFI).

How much?

Please note that this reference rent is a range, with two figures provided: a minimum amount 10% below the reference rent and a maximum amount 10% above it.
A rent could be deemed excessive if it is more than 20% above the reference rent. Only in this situation could a tenant refer the matter to the CPL. The commission may then decide whether or not the complaint is justified.

What about renewed agreements?

The requirement to state the reference rent also applies when leases are renewed.