DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
German energy performance certificate: validity and disclosure duties
A German energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) is issued for ten years and lapses early if a building alteration requires a new one (Section 79(3) GModG). For a sale or letting it must be shown at the latest at the viewing and handed over once the contract is signed (Section 80(4), (5)).
Under the German Building Modernisation Act (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz, GModG), an energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) must be issued with a validity of ten years. It loses its validity earlier if a change to the building within the meaning of Section 80(2) requires a new certificate (Section 79(3)).
If a building, flat or other self-contained unit is to be sold, let, leased or rented out, a certificate must be issued unless a valid one already exists (Section 80(3)). The seller, landlord or estate agent must show it to prospective buyers or tenants at the latest at the viewing (a clearly visible display is enough) and hand it over without delay once the contract is signed (Section 80(4) and (5)).
Anyone managing several buildings or units has as many expiry dates; they belong in one place.
At a glance
| Validity | Ten years (Section 79(3) GModG) |
|---|---|
| Types | Demand-based or consumption-based certificate (Section 79(1)) |
| When required | New buildings, certain alterations, sale, letting, leasing (Section 80(1) to (3)) |
| Showing it | At the latest at the viewing; hand over without delay after the contract is signed (Section 80(4) and (5)) |
| Public display | In buildings with more than 250 m² of floor space with heavy public traffic used by public authorities, otherwise from more than 500 m² (Section 80(6) and (7)) |
| Property ads | Mandatory details from the certificate, if one exists (Section 87) |
| Exceptions | Small buildings; Section 80(3) to (7) does not apply to listed monuments (Section 79(4)) |
Who is responsible?
The owner, and for a sale or letting also the seller, landlord, lessor or estate agent (Section 80(4) and (5)). Only persons authorised under Section 88 may issue the certificate.
If the deadline passes
Failing, intentionally or recklessly, to show or hand over a certificate correctly, completely or in time when selling or letting is an administrative offence (Section 108(1) nos. 18 and 19). The same applies to missing mandatory details in property ads (Section 108(1) no. 21).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each building or unit and enter the expiry date of its energy performance certificate.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day, well ahead of the next sale or letting.
- The issuer can upload the new certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person to each building; if a certificate expires, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a German energy performance certificate valid?
- It is issued for ten years (Section 79(3) GModG).
- Can it become invalid before the ten years are up?
- Yes, if a change to the building within the meaning of Section 80(2) requires a new certificate (Section 79(3), second sentence).
- Do I need a new certificate for every letting?
- No. A new one is only needed if there is no valid certificate for the building (Section 80(3)).
Sources
- Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz (GModG) § 79 Grundsätze des Energieausweises
- GModG § 80 Ausstellung und Verwendung von Energieausweisen
- GModG § 87 Pflichtangaben in einer Immobilienanzeige
- GModG § 88 Ausstellungsberechtigung für Energieausweise
- GModG § 108 Bußgeldvorschriften
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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Reminders on time
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