Rent revision under lease (private sector housing)

The Rent Benchmark (IRL) is used as the basis for calculating the rent revision. The annual rent increase is capped by the year-over-year evolution of the IRL.

To revise the rent amount, you need to know 3 information:

• The amount of rent without charge (L)
• The new benchmark rent index (N), corresponding to the reference quarter provided for in the lease (if the lease does not specify it, it is the quarter of the last IRL known at the time of signature of the lease)
• The previous one benchmark rent index (P), corresponding to the same quarter, but valid for the previous year

The calculation to be made is as follows: (L x N) / P = new rent

It is possible to use this calculator:

Calculate your rent revision

The annual rent review may be made during the year following the date of the lease revision.

The rent review does not apply retroactively, but only from the date of the application.

When the one-year period has elapsed, the unapplied revision is lost for the owner.

In the event of a calculation error, the tenant can challenge the increase set by his landlord.

Formal notice

It is advisable to send the owner a registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.

Dispute the amount of a rent revision during the lease

Conciliation

In case of refusal (or lack of response) on the part of the owner, it is possible to initiate a conciliation with the help of the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) or a conciliator of justice. Where the amount of the dispute is less than or equal to €5,000, such conciliation is compulsory in order to be able to refer the matter to the court.

Refer the matter to the judge

In the event of a dispute over a annual rent review, you have 1 year to refer the case to the protection litigation judge from the date of the rent revision.