Heating
my rights
According to the regulations, the heating system must be installed and maintained by a professional. It must also comply with the safety rules set by the Brussels-Capital Region.
For example
- The boiler must have a inspection certificate (every 2 years for gas, every year for oil).
- Chimneys or flue pipes must be sweptSwept: When chimney or smoke evacuation ducts are cleaned to ensure proper airflow and prevent fires or poisoning.
regularly.
- Electric heaters must be certifiedCertified: Devices that have been tested and approved according to official standards. They can be used with confidence because their safety has been verified., with no damaged wires or overheating.
Before signing the lease, you can request :
- Certificates of complianceCertificate of compliance: An official document issued after a technical inspection, proving that a device (such as a boiler) complies with safety regulations. (boiler, water heater, etc) ;
- Proof of recent maintenance (invoice, certificate, EPC certificate, etc).
In summary : the heating must work, be compliant, and not endanger the occupants.
Tasks
Provide a compliant heating system
Provide certificates of compliance /maintenance
Repair structural failuresStructural failures: Malfunctions related to natural wear or aging of equipment (e.g. cracked pipe, end-of-life boiler). or those caused by wear and tearWear and tear: The condition of equipment that has become faulty or less effective over time (e.g. a rusty radiator). It’s not due to misuse.
Carry out regular maintenance (boiler, water heater…)
Pay for repairs resulting from lack of maintenance
Bleed the radiatorsBleeding (a radiator): The action of releasing trapped air from a radiator so that hot water circulates properly and it heats better., monitor the pressure
Landlords
Tenants
If in doubt, inform your landlord in writing (by email or registered letter) and keep a written record of all communications.