Managing a co-ownership building in Brussels means juggling multiple EPC obligations: individual certificates per unit, shared liability towards the 2033 targets, and coordinating with owners and tenants. This guide gives syndics and owners' associations (VME) a clear overview of their obligations, the EPC expert's new advisory role and how to organise a collective certification campaign efficiently.
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EPC Obligations for Co-ownership in Brussels
In Brussels, each residential unit in a co-ownership building must have its own valid EPC certificate. There is no single "building EPC" that covers all units — every apartment, studio or duplex requires its own certificate.
- Sale: the EPC must be presented to the buyer and appended to the deed of sale.
- Rental: the EPC must be given to the tenant and included in the lease.
- Advertising: the energy label (A to G) must appear in all listings, whether online or in print.
Common parts: The common areas of the building (hallways, boiler room, etc.) do not require a separate residential EPC. However, the VME may commission a voluntary energy audit of the common parts to prepare for the 2033 renovation targets.
The EPC Expert: New Role Since 2023
Since the 2023 Brussels Energy Ordinance reform, the EPC certifier can also act as an independent EPC expert for a co-ownership building. This new role goes beyond simply issuing certificates:
- Analysing the building's overall energy performance
- Drafting a renovation roadmap to reach the 2033 targets
- Advising on which works to prioritise (roof, insulation, heating, windows)
- Helping the VME prepare grant applications (Renolution programme)
Tip for syndics: Commissioning an EPC expert audit for your building before 2027 gives you a clear roadmap and allows you to spread renovation costs over time. This is distinct from the individual unit EPC certificates and can be voted on at a general assembly.
Shared Responsibility and the 2033 Deadline
- If the building's average energy performance does not meet the 2033 target, all co-owners may be subject to annual fines.
- The VME is responsible for coordinating the necessary renovation works via the general assembly.
- An individual owner cannot be exempt from fines simply because their personal unit has a good EPC score — the building's overall performance matters.
2033 deadline: Buildings that still have a label E, F or G in 2033 will face annual fines. For a building with label G, the fine can exceed €62,500 per year. Acting now significantly reduces renovation costs and avoids compounding penalties.
Organising a Collective EPC Campaign
Coordinating individual EPC certificates for a whole building can be simplified by organising a collective campaign. Here is how to approach it:
Assess the situation
Identify which units already have a valid EPC and which are missing or expired.
Contact a certifier
Request a group quote from an accredited certifier like AL Energy. Volume discounts apply.
Coordinate access
Organise access to all units on the same day or across consecutive days to minimise travel costs.
Distribute certificates
Each unit owner receives their individual EPC certificate digitally within 48 hours of the visit.
Pricing Table Per Unit
AL Energy offers reduced rates for collective EPC campaigns. The price per unit depends on the unit's floor area. For buildings with 3 or more units, a coordination fee of €130 per additional unit is applied on top of the individual unit price.
| Building configuration | Indicative price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Building with 2 units | From €305 |
| 3 studios (each <50 m²) | From €765 (3 × €125 + 3 × €130) |
| 4 apartments (<100 m²) | From €1,180 (4 × €165 + 4 × €130) |
| 6 mixed units (studios + apartments) | From ~€1,860 |
| Building with 3+ units | Unit price by area + €130/unit — contact us for a quote |
Formula for buildings with 3+ units: Total price = (EPC price per unit based on floor area) + €130 per unit. Contact us for a tailored quote for your building.
Syndic Checklist
Here is a practical checklist for syndics to ensure EPC compliance for their building:
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Inventory existing certificates: check which units have a valid EPC (max 10 years old) and which need a new one.
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Notify owners: inform all co-owners of the EPC obligation and the upcoming 2033 deadlines at the next general assembly.
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Request a group quote: contact AL Energy for a collective rate. Mention the total number of units and their approximate floor areas.
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Coordinate access: arrange key access to all units (owner or tenant access) on the day(s) of inspection.
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Consider the EPC expert: for buildings below label D, discuss at the general assembly whether to commission an EPC expert audit and renovation roadmap.
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Explore Renolution grants: co-ownerships may be eligible for renovation grants. The EPC expert can advise on eligibility and how to apply.
Collective EPC campaign for your building?
AL Energy offers group rates for buildings with multiple units. Appointment within 48 hours across all 19 Brussels municipalities.
Request a group quoteFrequently Asked Questions
Official Sources
Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes only. Figures may evolve with regulatory updates. For specific legal advice, consult a lawyer or Brussels Environment directly.
Last updated: April 2026