Without an energy certificate, German flats may neither be sold nor newly let – and even a listing that omits the mandatory data draws a fine.
"If a building is sold or let, the seller or landlord shall present an energy certificate or a copy thereof to the prospective buyer or tenant at the latest at the viewing."
— § 80 (4) GEG (Building Energy Act, translated)
Demand or consumption certificate?
- Consumption certificate: based on the last three years' usage – cheap but occupant-dependent. Allowed for buildings with five or more units, or built from 1977.
- Demand certificate: technical analysis of the building envelope – mandatory for small, unrenovated pre-1977 buildings.
Mandatory listing data (§ 87 GEG)
Final energy demand or consumption, heating energy source, construction year and efficiency class must appear in the property advert itself. Violations carry fines of up to €10,000 (§ 108 GEG).
Validity and responsibility
Certificates are valid for ten years. In a condo association, procuring one is the community's task (the envelope is common property) and the cost runs through the Hausgeld. Managers should track the expiry date in the property record – eigentumwerk reminds you before it lapses.