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Energy certificate: mandatory when renting and buying

The energy certificate provides information about a building's energy condition. When renting and selling, it is mandatory: prospective parties must be able to see it in good time, otherwise the provider faces fines.

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Demand the energy certificate

Your chances of getting your money back

When renting or selling, a valid energy certificate must be presented unprompted at the viewing at the latest, and handed over after the contract is concluded (Building Energy Act / Gebäudeenergiegesetz). Even the property listing must contain certain mandatory details (e.g. energy value, energy source).
If the energy certificate or the mandatory details are missing, that can be an administrative offense punishable by a fine. As a prospective party, you can demand that it be presented.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Demand presentation

    As a prospective tenant/buyer, you can view the energy certificate at the viewing.

  2. 2

    2. Check the listing

    The mandatory details (energy value, etc.) must already appear in the ad.

  3. 3

    3. Secure the handover

    After the contract is concluded, you are entitled to a copy of the energy certificate.

  4. 4

    4. If there is a violation

    If the certificate is missing, point to the statutory duty; violations can be reported as an administrative offense.

Frequently asked questions

Does the landlord have to show me an energy certificate?

Yes. When renting (and selling), a valid energy certificate must be presented unprompted at the viewing at the latest and handed over after the contract is concluded (Building Energy Act / Gebäudeenergiegesetz). Certain mandatory energy details are already required in the property listing.

What happens if no energy certificate is available?

The absence of the energy certificate or the mandatory details can constitute an administrative offense punishable by a fine. As a prospective party or tenant, you can demand that it be presented and point to the statutory duty.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.