Energy Performance Certificate / Renovation Obligation for Existing Property

Hello,

I have a question that I haven't really been able to resolve through internet searches:

This year we bought my father-in-law's house, which is a semi-detached house consisting of an old building (built around 195?) and a separate extension (built in 1995). The old building is rented out, and we live in the new building ourselves. The old building was energetically renovated in the early 2000s using blown-in insulation and a new roof. Also installed was a heating system with solar thermal support that centrally heats both parts of the house. The windows/doors in the old building date from the 80s and 90s.

To what extent are we subject to an obligation to renovate? Is there a threshold value on the energy certificate from which this becomes necessary, or is it decided individually? And who monitors this and at what intervals? Will we eventually receive a letter requesting us to hire an energy consultant who evaluates the energy consumption?

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find clear information, and what I have found so far is somewhat vague. Until now, no one has wanted to see an energy certificate, etc. However, one exists, although it is already a few years old.

Best regards,
Stephan

Oh, I see... we have been living there for a long time before the purchase, so we were of course already aware of the energy consumption.

To what extent are we affected by a renovation obligation?

Renovation obligation as with every purchase - within two years. Should (but won’t) be checked by the chimney sweep and possibly the building authority.
- Insulation of uninsulated pipes in unheated rooms
- Insulation of roof or upper floor ceiling, if minimum thermal protection is not met
- Heating replacement, if too old and not low-temperature/condensing boiler
By the way, it takes about three seconds to enter the words renovation obligation purchase property into Google and read the first 100,000 results, which all say the same thing. It is also stated in the Building Energy Act.

Is there a threshold in the energy certificate from which this is necessary or is it decided individually?

See above.

And who checks that and if so at what intervals?

See above.

Will we ever receive a letter and be asked to appoint an energy consultant who evaluates the energy consumption?

It’s in the law. You have to take care of it yourself.

Hi,

thanks for the information.
What you wrote was clear to me so far. Just not based on which factors, etc. this is determined and whether/how it is checked.

Regards,
Stephan

You only need an energy certificate for new rentals or sales. It is mandatory for commercial property advertisements and at the notary for certification (exception: [Denkmal]). For buildings constructed in 1977 or earlier with fewer than 5 residential units, the creation of an energy demand certificate is mandatory; for newer buildings, a consumption certificate is sufficient, valid for 10 years. For old buildings that meet the [WSchVO] of 1978 either due to their construction or subsequent modifications (like with your roof and blown-in insulation), the creation of energy consumption certificates is also possible.

In short: currently you do not need one, only a consumption certificate for the rented semi-detached house upon new rental. For your owner-occupied house, none at all, as long as it is not sold.