Don't you have a definitive Energy Label yet? Arrange it in 2020 to avoid high costs.

22-10-2020 — 

When renting out a living space, it is mandatory for several years to submit a definitive energy label to a new tenant. A tenant can use this to see how energy-efficient a home is and which energy-saving measures are possible. The label classes for homes run from A to G. Homes with an A-label are the most energy-efficient, homes with a G-label are the least energy-efficient.

If a landlord cannot submit a definitive energy label at the start of the lease, he / she risks a fine of up to € 450.00. An energy label is not mandatory if you rent out a separate room in your home, a student room, a national monument, a provincial or municipal monument.

Until March 2018 there were 2 different measuring methods; the Energy Label and the Energy Index (EI). This caused confusion. For this reason, the Energy Index (EI) has been linked to the Energy Label since 29 March 2018.

Energy performance and rental points
The Energy Index figure, among other things, is part of the calculation with which, in the case of social rent, the rent can be determined on the basis of the Housing Evaluation System. The energy efficiency of a rental property, together with the dimensions and the WOZ value, largely determines the number of points that your home receives according to the points system of the Housing Evaluation System (=WWS). Does your home only have some points too few to rent out in the free sector, but do you want that? Then with an improvement of the Energy Label you may be able to get enough points and you can rent out the house in the free sector. Energy-efficient homes yield more points!

In addition, Minister Ollongren has submitted a bill whereby the WOZ value of a house may only count for 1/3 part in determining the points. You can of course not change the size of your home. But if you are renting out a relatively small home, which may have too few points if Ollongren gets this proposal through, then it is certainly useful to investigate whether you can improve your Energy Label. Or make your home more luxurious. You also receive points for e.g. a thermostatic valve, a longer worktop etc. It could possibly make the difference between renting out in the social sector or in the free sector! Although we do not expect Minister Ollongren to get this law through just like that. Because as rental law attorney Hielkema indicates; the property right protected by the ECHR is thus disproportionately limited. But be aware: one way or the other, the government is thinking of ways to lower the current rental prices. While they could 'easily' solve it if they would just build enough houses and thus solve the housing shortage....

Do you already have a definitive Energy Label?
You can check whether there is a definitive Energy Label for the home via Search your energy label. The Energy Label is valid for a maximum of 10 years after the date of issue. Have you made your home more energy efficient with a registered Energy Label? Then you can make the improvement transparent with a new energy label. However, this is not mandatory for the rental of your home, provided the old label is still valid. If a definitive energy label has not yet been registered for your home, your home will have a provisional energy label. The provisional Energy Label is an estimate based on the data registered with the Land Registry, such as the year of construction and the type of dwelling. As soon as you start renting out your house or apartment, you must apply for a final energy label.

Apply for an Energy Label yourself? Do it in 2020 to avoid high costs.
To apply for a definitive Energy Label, you can log in with your DigiD or eHerkenning if you have the Dutch nationality. Or here if you have the Dutch nationality (or any other nationality in the European Econonomic Area) and live abroad. You can then adjust the property data on the basis of a maximum of 10 questions and provide digital proof, such as an invoice for an HR boiler, if necessary. A recognized expert will then check your data remotely. After registration you will automatically receive the final Energy Label. This now costs about € 10.00.

In 2021, however, this will certainly cost € 190.00 because you are then required to engage an expert. So preferably do it online in 2020! When renting out your property, we will always ask you to send us the definitive Energy Label, so that we can add it to the rental agreement. If you do not have an definitive Energy Label, you run the risk of being fined (although we have never heard of anyone receiving it).