Fall Checklist for Your Property in Wallonia: Key Maintenance Tasks and Landlord-Tenant Responsibilities

Preparing Your Home in Wallonia for Fall and Winter

As fall sets in across Wallonia, rain, frost, and strong winds put buildings to the test. Performing a thorough preventive maintenance check before winter sets in is essential to avoid costly damage, maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and ensure the safety of the occupants.

In the case of a rental property, not all obligations fall on the same party. Walloon law precisely outlines the division of responsibilities between the landlord and the tenant.

1. Roof, Gutters, and Eaves: Preventing Water Leaks

Dead leaves and debris accumulate quickly in the fall, posing a risk of clogging water drainage channels.

• Cleaning gutters and eaves: Regular cleaning and the removal of fallen leaves to ensure proper drainage of rainwater are considered routine maintenance repairs under the lease. These tasks are the tenant’s responsibility, unless access to the roof poses a clear danger or requires specialized climbing equipment.
• Waterproofing and structure: Major roof repairs, the replacement of tiles dislodged by the wind, or the repair of gutters damaged by age or force majeure remain the sole responsibility of the landlord.

2. Heating System and Chimneys: The Legal Obligation to Inspect

Maintaining heating equipment is an absolute priority for both safety and energy conservation.

• Periodic inspection of central heating: In Wallonia, regulations require an annual mandatory inspection for oil-fired and solid-fuel (wood, pellets) boilers. For gas-fired boilers (capacity ≤ 100 kW), this inspection must be performed every 2 years. This technical inspection must be carried out by a certified technician.
• Chimney sweeping: Sweeping the flues connected to a heating system or stove is the tenant’s responsibility as part of their routine maintenance obligations.
• Repair or replacement: If the boiler breaks down due to age or requires complete replacement, the cost is borne by the landlord (provided the tenant has fulfilled their periodic maintenance obligations).

3. Exterior Windows and Doors and Ventilation: Preserving Insulation and Indoor Air Quality

To prevent heat loss and combat winter humidity, several simple checks are necessary:

• Window frames and seals: Cleaning the ventilation grilles built into the frames and lubricating the hardware are part of daily maintenance (tenant’s responsibility). However, replacing seals that are completely worn out over time or replacing defective window frames is the landlord’s responsibility.
• Mechanical ventilation system: The tenant must regularly clean the air exhaust vents to prevent condensation and mold growth.
• Frost Protection Protocol: The tenant must drain outdoor faucets and protect the water meter from freezing during periods of extreme cold.

Transparent Communication to Protect the Property

If any damage or issues are discovered during the fall inspections (such as moisture stains on a ceiling, a missing roof tile, or a malfunctioning heating circulator), the tenant is required to notify the landlord as soon as possible. Prompt notification allows the landlord to take action before the damage worsens.