My rental property is so energy-inefficient that bills are enormous. Does the landlord have legal obligations?

What the Law Says

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets binding requirements for energy efficiency in residential rentals across all Member States. National laws implementing the EPBD require landlords to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and meet minimum energy performance standards — with escalating stringency over time.

Since 2021, all new and existing rental properties offered for lease in the EU must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC rates buildings from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). As of 2023, most EU countries require at least an EPC rating of 'E' for rented dwellings — though some (e.g., France, Netherlands) already enforce 'D' or higher.

Under the revised EPBD (Directive (EU) 2023/1791), Member States must establish minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for existing residential buildings by 2025, and ensure all rented homes reach at least EPC class 'E' by 2030 — and 'D' by 2033. For the worst-performing buildings (EPC F or G), national rules may require landlords to carry out cost-effective energy upgrades before re-renting.

The directive also mandates that 'the energy performance certificate shall be made available to prospective tenants free of charge', and that 'Member States shall ensure that the minimum energy performance requirements are enforced through appropriate inspection and sanction mechanisms'.

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that the minimum energy performance requirements are enforced through appropriate inspection and sanction mechanisms.

— Directive (EU) 2023/1791, Art. 8(3) — Minimum energy performance requirements

Statutory Text

The energy performance certificate shall be made available to prospective tenants free of charge.

— Directive (EU) 2023/1791, Art. 7(2) — Availability of certificates

Sources