What is a conformity certificate and how do I apply for it?

A conformity certificate is an official document that confirms your rental property meets the required quality standards. The certificate assures the tenant that your property complies with safety, health, and quality requirements. A house or apartment with a conformity certificate may have certain category I defects (= minor defects that negatively affect the living conditions of the residents or that could potentially develop into serious defects). A property with minor defects is neither unfit nor uninhabitable and may be rented out. Not every municipality requires a conformity certificate, so be sure to check the applicable rules in your municipality before renting.

Where do you apply for this certificate?
You submit an application to the municipality or city where your rental property is located. A housing inspector will prepare a technical report, after which the mayor will make a decision within 60 days at the latest. If no decision is made or you do not receive the conformity certificate, you can file a new application within 30 days with the Housing Quality department of the Flemish government.