Energieausweis: your duties when renting out
When you must show the Energieausweis (energy certificate), what your listing has to say and how long the certificate is valid.
Show the Energieausweis at the viewing at the latest, without waiting to be asked, and give the new tenant a copy once the lease is signed. Your listing must show the key figures from the certificate.
What you have to do with the Energieausweis
Your duties start when you advertise the flat, not only when the lease is signed.
- 1
Check the certificate is still valid
An Energieausweis is valid for ten years from the date of issue (§ 79 Abs. 3 GEG).
- 2
When the cheaper certificate is allowed
You can use the cheaper consumption certificate if the building has five or more flats, or if its building application dates from 1 November 1977 or later.
- 3
Put the key figures in the listing
The listing must show the type of certificate, the energy demand or consumption, the energy sources, the year of construction and the efficiency class.
- 4
Show it at the viewing
Show the certificate without waiting to be asked. It is enough to display it where it is clearly visible.
- 5
Give the tenant a copy
Hand the new tenant a copy of the certificate as soon as the lease is signed.
- 6
The fine for breaking the rules
If you break these rules, you can be fined up to €10,000 (§ 108 Abs. 2 GEG).
Why this matters
Under § 80 Abs. 4 and 5 GEG, you must show the Energieausweis at the viewing at the latest and hand it over once the lease is signed. If you do not, that is an administrative offence under § 108 Abs. 2 GEG.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an Energieausweis valid?
An Energieausweis is valid for ten years from the date of issue (§ 79 Abs. 3 GEG). Check that yours is still valid before you advertise.
When do I not need an Energieausweis?
You do not need an Energieausweis for listed buildings (§ 79 Abs. 4 GEG) or small buildings of up to 50 m² usable floor area, among others. You also do not have to show one if a tenancy with the same tenant simply continues without a new lease.
What is the fine if I have no Energieausweis?
The fine for breaking the Energieausweis rules is up to €10,000 (§ 108 Abs. 2 GEG). Each wrong listing can count as a separate offence.
Also in this topic: Noisy tenant in Germany: what landlords can doRent arrears and Mahnung: a landlord's guideMängelanzeige from a tenant: what must the landlord do?Hoarded flat or eviction: record the condition
Is a new tenant moving in soon?
A change of tenant is the moment to record the condition the flat is handed over in. BildProof records every room.
Create your proof