The energy performance certificate (EPC) is a report that describes how efficient a home is in terms of energy consumption. It evaluates the efficiency of a home. If you wish to sell your property or rent it out for a longer period than four months, an energy performance certificate is a strict requirement. Without the EPC your property cannot be sold, nor can it be legally rented out for a period of over four months. To apply for a certificate, you must pass through a registered EPC Assessor, who analyzes the efficiency of energy consumption. Contacting an accredited professional assessor is essential so that the Public Administration is aware that the home has the corresponding energy certification.

What is included in the energy certificate

Fenestration

The windows and other openings in a building's facade determine its efficiency. The energy performance allows the performance of building design to be evaluated and compared to a benchmark to finally assess the potential energy savings that could be achieved.

Heating

Choosing the right type of heating is also a crucial component of an energy certificate. The economic and environmental impacts of this device, along with other devices aimed at regulating the house's ambient temperature, are considered in this case.

Installations

For the energy certificate performance, electrical installations, pipes, gas pipes, and photovoltaic devices are taken into account. In addition to meeting durability and safety requirements, they should also be energy efficient and economical.

Renewable energy

Homes with eco-installations, from photovoltaic panels to geothermal boilers, have an energy advantage that is reflected in the energy performance report.

Energy label and rating of the house

An energy label is assigned to a home based on how much kWh it consumes per square meter per year. The scale of energy performance labels runs from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G lacking energy efficiency measures. Labels A, B, and C are awarded to houses with reduced energy consumption, up to 112.1 kWh per year per square meter. Labels D and E are awarded to houses with intermediate consumption, between 112.2 kWh per year and 303.7 kWh per year. From 303.8 kWh per year, labels F and G apply, for houses with low or non-energy efficiency. A rented property with an energy efficiency rating of A, B, or C will benefit both the owner and the tenant since the expenses of running the property will be reduced.

Zazume team working on our rental management software

Processing the EPC and its cost

Only independent professionals are authorized to grant energy certificates, which means that they can set their own prices. We make sure to contact all of the certifiers in your area to get you the best price. Our team is specially trained to handle applications, so you can rest assured that your certificate will be processed quickly and without hassle. It is important to remember that having an energy certificate can help ensure smooth transactions when buying or renting a home.

Let our team take care of your energy performance certificate and shake off the stress. At no cost.

Renting a house without an energy certificate

The energy certification of a house became an essential procedure for renting in 2013, and without this certification, the owner risks sanctions. Current legislation considers that renting a home without having the current energy certificate is a serious violation, and so the fine imposed is between €601 and €1,000. It is recommended that the energy certificate be valid and a copy is delivered to the tenant so they can know the energy consumption of the property. It is also recommended that the formal lease agreement between landlord and tenant reflect the use of polite language.

Energy certificate FAQ

Do I need an energy certificate to rent out my property?

Yes, the new energy certification requirement for renting in 2013 was implemented by Royal Decree 235/2013. Renting a home without a certificate entails a series of sanctions that fall on the owner.

Does my energy performance certificate have an expiry date?

Yes. According to Royal Decree 390/2021, energy efficiency certificates are valid for a maximum of 10 years. However, if the energy rating is G, the maximum shelf life is 5 years.

How much does it cost to obtain a certificate of energy efficiency?

The professionals who grant energy certificates are independent, which means they can set their own rates. At Zazume, we make sure to contact all of the certifiers in your area to find the best price for you. Our team is responsible for processing the application and attending the flat visit.