Energy certificates when letting or selling: what to check

The energy performance certificate has become increasingly familiar in recent years for homes, commercial premises and buildings. What is it for? Here is an explanation:

What is an energy certificate for?

Royal Decree 390/2021 governs energy certification and covers, among other cases, existing buildings or parts of buildings sold or let to a new tenant. Check its scope and the relevant exclusions; do not assume a general exemption for short-term letting.

The certificate allows comparison of a calculated energy rating under standardised conditions. It is neither an exact bill forecast nor a measurement of how much energy each guest will use.

This information may be useful to tenants or prospective buyers. An Energy Performance Certificate (CEE) provides access to it.

The CEE contains several relevant figures. The official document displays a letter rating alongside CO2 emissions in kgCO2/m2/year. Consumption appears in Annex II, section 3, covering the partial primary-energy consumption rating.

What happens when more energy is consumed?

High energy consumption has several consequences. One is financial: the more you consume, the more you spend on monthly bills.

Efficiency also affects emissions associated with building use. When considering improvements, assess their energy and environmental outcomes, not just the current supply price.

There is also the issue of climate change. Everyone can contribute, which makes it worthwhile to improve energy efficiency wherever possible.

The framework is Royal Decree 390/2021 and its current amendments, which replaced Royal Decree 235/2013. Consult the consolidated text and the procedure for the autonomous community where the property is located.

Engage a qualified professional to guide the process, since an efficient property can provide significant energy savings. Grants for whole-building energy refurbishment may also be available and could be worth investigating.

Can we help? If you still have questions, ask us.

How to obtain and maintain the certificate

Commission a qualified professional, provide the documentation and check what the quotation includes, including regional registration. Keep the certificate and label. The maximum validity is ten years, or five for a G rating; review the renewal and advertising requirements for your case.

Do not commit to a service on the assumption that a grant exists without checking the funding call, eligibility and availability. Separate the certificate cost from the cost of proposed works.

Royal Decree 390/2021, particularly Articles 3, 6, 13 and 15.