The obligation for double glazing in every home
As of the first of January 2020, the obligation for double glazing came into force, the so-called double glazing standard. This standard stipulates that all homes in Flanders must have double glazing. There are no exceptions to the standard.
The absence of double glazing will gradually weigh more heavily in the assessment of the quality of the property and may, from 2023, lead to the declaration of the property as unsuitable.
I am a landlord, what now?
This standard is minimal. Owners who immediately do (much) better in the coming years and replace single glazing with high-efficiency glass can still receive an energy subsidy under certain conditions. For more information, please visit www.energiesparen.be.
How many penalty points will I get as a landlord if I do not insulate my rental property?
Penalty points for single-glazing From 1 January 2021, the housing inspector will take into account the energy score of the property, as stated on the EPC, when assessing the requirement for double glazing. The absence of double glazing will not be ticked on the technical report if the energy score of the house is lower than the limit value set by the Flemish government. These limit values are:
- 600 kWh/m² for an open building
- 550 kWh/m² for a semi-open building
- 450 kWh/m² for a closed construction
- 400 kWh/m² for a flat
A breach of the double-glazing standard is a category I defect until 31 December 2022. On the first of January 2023, the double-glazing standard tightens. From then on, a breach of the double-glazing standard is considered a category II defect. From then on, the absence of double glazing can lead to a declaration of unfitness if the dwelling has more than one window without double glazing. As a landlord, you are also eligible for the premium if:
- You rent out a property whose rental price is less than €524.19.
- You are letting a residence with a rental price of less than €574.19 if it is situated in one of the following cities*.
- You are renting a residence to a family that belongs to the vulnerable target group.
*Aalst, Antwerpen, Brugge, Genk, Gent, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Leuven, Mechelen, Oostende, Roeselare, Sint-Niklaas, Turnhout, Affligem, Assel, Beersel, Bertem, Bever, Dilbeek, Drogenbos, Galmaarden, Gooik, Grimbergen, Hallen, Herne, Hoeilaart, Huldenberg, Kampenhout, Kapelle-op-en-bos, Kortenberg, Kraainem, Lennik, Liedekerke, Linkebeek, Londerzeel, Machelen, Meise, Merchtem, Opwijk, Overijse, Pepingen, Roosdaal, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Steenokkerzeel, Ternat, Tervuren, Vilvoorde, Wemmel, Wezembeek-Oppem, Zaventem, Zemst