Energieausweis: your rights as a tenant
When the landlord has to show you the Energieausweis (energy certificate), what it tells you, and what happens if it is missing.
The landlord must show you the Energieausweis at the viewing at the latest and give you a copy once the lease is signed. If it is missing, you cannot reduce the rent, but the authority can fine the landlord.
What to know about the Energieausweis
The energy figures are with you from the listing to the lease. Here is when you see them and how to read them.
- 1
The listing must show the figures
The energy value and the efficiency class must already be in the listing (§ 87 GEG).
- 2
You see the certificate at the viewing
The landlord must show you the certificate at the viewing at the latest, without you having to ask.
- 3
You get a copy after you sign
Once the lease is signed, the landlord gives you the certificate or a copy.
- 4
What the class A+ to H tells you
The class is a guide to heating costs, not a guarantee.
- 5
Valid for 10 years
An Energieausweis is valid for 10 years from the day it is issued.
- 6
Bedarfsausweis or Verbrauchsausweis
Only the Bedarfsausweis (demand certificate) rates the building itself. The Verbrauchsausweis (consumption certificate) shows how the previous tenants heated.
Why this matters
Under § 80 Abs. 4 and 5 GEG, the landlord must show you the Energieausweis at the viewing at the latest and hand it over once the lease is signed. If the landlord does not show it, the authority can impose a fine of up to 10,000 euros (§ 108 GEG).
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does the landlord have to show me the Energieausweis?
Yes, the landlord must show you the Energieausweis at the viewing at the latest, without you having to ask (§ 80 Abs. 4 and 5 GEG). If there is no viewing, the landlord must show it right away when you ask.
Can I reduce my rent if the landlord does not show me an Energieausweis?
No, you cannot reduce the rent over a missing Energieausweis, because the certificate does not become part of the lease (§ 536 BGB). But the authority can fine the landlord up to 10,000 euros (§ 108 GEG).
What is the difference between a Bedarfsausweis and a Verbrauchsausweis?
Only the Bedarfsausweis (demand certificate) rates the building itself. The Verbrauchsausweis (consumption certificate) shows how the previous tenants heated. Both values are a guide to heating costs, not a guarantee.
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