Brussels EPB renovation obligation: the timetable

The two steps: 2033 and 2045

What Brussels Environment says:

The 2033 step mainly affects energy classes F and G, currently the worst. The February 2024 announcement also states that more than half of Brussels homes already reach this first target. The EPB 150 step would eventually rule out homes in classes D and E.

In most cases, one or two main works are enough to reach EPB 275, according to Brussels Environment: roof insulation, façade insulation or central heating.

For homes owned by public operators, the EPB 150 target is set for 2040 at the latest.

What is certain and what is not

The Region’s page is clear about 2033: “By 01/01/2033 at the latest, all homes will have to reach the EPB 275 target.” It is just as clear that 2045 is an earliest date, which the Government still has to set.

A note from February 2024 explains that these deadlines depend on a Government decree whose entry into force was planned for 1 January 2026 at the earliest. The same note gives, for the EPB 150 step, the date of 1 January 2046, while the “housing” page gives 31 December 2045: both dates fall at the end of 2045 or the start of 2046, and nothing is final. Remember “around 2045-2046, to be confirmed”. As of 13 October 2026, we have not found a page of the Region confirming a final decree: keep an eye on environnement.brussels.

The EPB certificate for all

Today, the EPB certificate is required to sell or let. The regulations plan to extend it to all homes, including those occupied by their owner. The Region’s page refers to an obligation “on 31/12/2030 at the earliest”.

The certificate shows the current performance, the targets to be reached and the recommended works. Brussels Environment also announces more checks on the work of EPB assessors (certificateurs PEB). See our guide on the EPB certificate.

Who is affected

• The owner (landlord or occupier) must obtain the certificate, give it to the tenant and plan works if the home does not reach the targets.
• The tenant receives the certificate when the lease is signed. If the landlord has not provided it, the landlord cannot index the rent, the Region states. See rent indexation.
• Co-owners are jointly responsible, through the association of co-owners (ACP), for the targets of each home and for the common installations. The ACP must appoint an EPB expert to draw up the missing certificates and list the works on the common parts. See co-ownership.

Exemptions

Partial or full exemptions are possible for technical, functional or economic reasons, or to preserve heritage. According to the 2024 note, an exemption can be granted if the recommended works are technically impossible, conflict with another planning obligation or cost a disproportionate amount. The Government was to specify the criteria later. It is up to the owner to apply for the exemption and justify it.

Rules that already apply to works

Even without the 2033 obligation, EPB requirements already apply to works subject to a planning permission (permis d’urbanisme) applied for since 1 April 2024. Some benchmarks from the Region:

• major renovation: at most 150 kWh/m²/year;
• renovation treated as new build: at most 54 kWh/m²/year;
• oil-fired boilers: banned in renovations since 1 June 2025;
• gas boilers: banned in major renovations from 1 January 2030 (date the permit application is filed).

Failure to comply with EPB requirements or procedures can lead to an administrative fine and/or a criminal penalty. The Region’s page does not give the amounts. To find out whether your works need a permit, read Works: when do you need planning permission?.

Which professional to consult

An approved EPB assessor draws up the certificate. An architect or an engineering firm can cost the works needed to reach EPB 275. The Region’s Homegrade service gives free advice. In a co-ownership, the syndic coordinates with the ACP.