Please note: the rules for issuing energy labels are changing!

New rules for energy labels when selling and renting

Since 2015, sellers and landlords of residential and commercial properties have been required to provide an energy label to the buyer or tenant when selling or renting a property.

The obligation to provide an energy label did not yet apply to owners of listed buildings. This is about to change. With effect from 29 May 2026, the rules will be tightened and an energy label must also be provided when selling or renting out listed homes and/or non-residential buildings.

Energy label also required when renewing a lease agreement

That is not the only change. In addition to sales and rentals, an energy label must now also be provided when renewing a lease agreement. It appears that renewal does not refer to a renewal resulting from the lease agreement itself. A renewal will occur after the lease agreement has expired, after a (major) renovation or in the event of further agreements between the tenant and landlord.

Background: European Directive EPBD IV

The changes stem from the European Directive EPBD IV (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), which aims to provide insight into the energy performance of all buildings in Europe, including monuments, and to improve it step by step towards 2050. The energy label is a mandatory information tool in this regard. It provides insight into current energy performance and possible improvement measures, with explicit attention to the monumental values and limitations associated with heritage.

The absence of a valid energy label may result in enforcement measures and fines.

Exception for religious buildings remains in place

The exemption for churches and other religious buildings remains in place. This means that the exemption for buildings that are (partly) used for worship and religious activities remains valid, even if they are listed buildings. If these monuments are used for non-religious purposes, an energy label will be mandatory from 29 May 2026 onwards for the sale, rental and renewal or amendment of rental agreements.