Selling or renting in Brussels? Have the PEB certificate ready before the ad

In Brussels, a home of 18 m² or more that you sell or rent out needs a valid PEB certificate (the Brussels energy performance certificate). It has to exist before the home goes on the market, not when the deed or lease is signed. Every sale or rental ad and poster must state the energy class and the energy use in kWh per m² a year, and you must give a copy free of charge to anyone interested and to the buyer or tenant.

Only a certifier accredited by Bruxelles Environnement may draw it up, after visiting the home. You choose freely from the official list. Before the visit, collect invoices, photos, plans and technical sheets for insulation, windows, heating and other works. Where the certifier finds no proof, they must enter default values, which are almost always unfavourable, so missing paperwork means a worse score.

A certificate is valid for 10 years. Bruxelles Environnement advises having it updated sooner after works that improve the home, when you find new proof, or if it dates from before 2017. Selling or renting without one can lead to sanctions.