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Old windows replacement
Hello all,
all windows in my rented apartment are old and single glazed. They are also leaky and no energy efficient (I don't believe there's any isolation in the wooden panel in the balcony windows). The landlord refuses to replace them claiming that I was aware of the state of the windows when I signed the rent contract and he has no interest in making any investments into the property. Hence my question: are there any local (Brussels) regulations that may help to change his mind? I know that Brussels city has (had) some incentives for the owners if they make their properties more energy efficient, but I don't know where to look for the details of such programs. Also, is it true that all apartments that are rented should have an energy efficient windows by 2020? Any advice / comments is appreciated.
If you Google: droits de locataires bruxelles you will find lots of links.
Seilia. I Suspect it's a cost issue many landlord don't wish to invest in this type of renovation as they don't personally benefit from very high cost works. They are supposed to spend a proportion of rent on repair and maintenance but most don't claiming they lose money. Some in my experience do the bare minimum.
I'd suggest you find a way to secondary glaze without damaging the interior because getting a landlord with that attitude to do anything is a nightmare
Hi Seilia,
Is there a syndicate of co-owners? In case there is, this issue could be brought up in their meetings. Your apartment might not be the only one having single-glazed windows. An owner cannot be bound to change the windows by law. It is only in the case you sell a property that a PEB certificate must be issued. If you build a new building, the PEB certificate has to reach the reference norms.
In case you cannot find an agreement with your landlord, why not suggest mediation? It is a quick and easy way to solve problems and reach agreements that satisfy both parties. Here is the link to the list of chartered mediators in Belgium http://www.juridat.be/mediation/
For any info on mediation, you are welcome to use the form and ask me questions.
Good luck Seilia.
He's right. If he'd gone to the expense of replacing windows, it would have been reflected in your rent.
You don't like it, move.
