A New Energy Performance Certificate for Residential Properties

October 4, 2021 3-minute read
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Un nouveau DPE pour les logements

Since the 1ster July 2021, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which provides information on the energy performance of a home or building by assessing its energy consumption and its impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, has been overhauled to better address climate issues. The new DPE is no longer merely informative but is legally enforceable and valid for 10 years.

A New Energy Performance Certificate for Residential Properties

Changes to be aware of, effective July 1, 2021, regarding the Energy Performance Certificate.

The new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provided for in the 2018 ELAN Act—which is more comprehensive, easier to understand, and more reliable—is part of the Plant Climat program. While the validity period remains 10 years, it has been decided to shorten the validity period of EPDs prepared using the old method, which are expected to be phased out by 1er January 2025.

This overhaul is part of a broader effort to accelerate the energy-efficient renovation of buildings, for which the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a key tool, providing information on summer comfort, the quality of insulation and ventilation, and the distribution of heat loss within the home. The new EPC includes an estimate of annual energy costs, provides guidance on best practices, and offers recommendations for renovation work to be undertaken.

The New Energy Performance Certificate and Its Changes:

  • Validity period of the DPE:

    Energy Performance Assessments (EPAs) conducted between the 1ster The January 2013 and 2017 versions will expire on December 31, 2022.
    Those established between 1er January 2018 and June 30, 2021, will remain valid through December 31, 2024.

  • Calculation Method:

    The new Energy Performance Certificate will be more reliable thanks to a standardized calculation method for all housing units.
    No more blank labels, and no more calculating based on invoices (usage statements).
    The report is the same for both the transaction and the lease.
    The method for calculating the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been revised: a single calculation formula is now used regardless of the property type,
    3CL engine, and takes into account the physical characteristics of the home: the structure, the quality of the insulation, the type of windows, and the heating system.

  • Enforceability:

    The new Energy Performance Certificate is now enforceable and establishes the contractual liability of the owner or landlord if they fail to submit the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or if it contains incorrect information regarding the dwelling’s energy efficiency class, which could result in financial penalties or even legal action.

  • New Tags:

    The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) features two scales with 7 classes, ranging from A to G (with A representing the best performance and G the worst). The thresholds are calculated based on two factors: primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. If your home is rated F or G, it will be considered an “energy-inefficient home.”
    It is important to note that the Climate Act prohibits the rental of housing classified as “Fou G” starting in 2028.
    A major change: the end of blank energy labels for homes built before 1948 or for those for which energy consumption data is not provided.

Key dates to remember:

  • 2021 : Since the 1ster Starting in July, if the minimum energy performance threshold (331 kWh/m²/year, F or G energy efficiency labels) is not met, landlords in high-demand areas will no longer be able to increase the rent when a new lease is signed or an existing lease is renewed.
  • 2022 : The Energy Performance Certificate must include a energy audit with proposed improvements for all housing units whose energy consumption exceeds 331 kWh/m²/year.
  • 2023 : The maximum threshold of 450 kWh/m²/year will be the limit that must not be exceeded and will define the energy performance standard for decent housing. A dwelling may be rented out only if its energy consumption is below the maximum threshold.
  • 2028 : Renovations will be required to rent out a property with energy consumption exceeding 331 kWh/m²/year.

Our CENTURY 21 Auteuil Immobilier agency works with certified service providers and handles the preparation of technical assessments, including the Energy Performance Certificate (DPE), for rental management and sales mandates exclusive or us.

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