Do I need an energy certificate to sell or rent a flat?
Yes: on a sale or rental an energy certificate is mandatory. An energy performance certificate states a building's or unit's energy demand. On a sale or rental of a house, flat or commercial unit, the owner must hand it over to the buyer (at the notarial deed) or the tenant (at the rental contract); this also covers heritage properties and listings where energy indicators are given. The certificate is drawn up by an authorised person on the official list, and the cost is usually about 350–900 zł. The document is valid 10 years (it lapses earlier only after a thermal upgrade changing energy use). The notary must advise the parties of the duty to hand over the certificate and the consequences of its absence.
📋 The rules
- The certificate states the building's/unit's energy demand
- Duty to hand it over to the buyer (sale) or tenant (rental)
- Also covers heritage properties and listings
- Drawn up by an authorised person; cost about 350–900 zł
- Valid 10 years (less after a thermal upgrade)
🔓 Exceptions
- Using your own home without sale/rental: a certificate isn't required
- Some buildings (e.g. detached under 50 m², places of worship): statutory exclusions
- Thermal upgrade changing energy use: the certificate must be updated
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to hand over the certificate to the buyer or tenant breaches the rules and is punishable by a fine — the notary advises of this duty and the consequences of not meeting it at the deed. The certificate must be current and drawn up by an authorised person (on the central list) — a "from the internet" document without authorisation is worthless. To meet the duty: order the certificate from an authorised specialist ahead of the sale or signing the rental, give the required indicators in the listing, hand the document to the other side and keep proof of handover. Remember it's valid 10 years, so for a further transaction in that period you usually needn't repeat it.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Act on the energy performance of buildings →
- Gov.pl · Energy performance certificate →
- Central register of building energy performance →
❓ Frequently asked
When is an energy certificate mandatory?
On selling or renting a house, flat or commercial unit. The owner must hand the document to the buyer at the notarial deed or the tenant at signing the contract. The duty also covers heritage properties and listings stating energy indicators.
How much does it cost and how long is it valid?
The cost depends on the property — usually about 350–500 zł for a flat and 500–900 zł for a house, more for commercial premises. The certificate is valid 10 years. It lapses earlier only if the property undergoes a thermal upgrade changing its energy demand.
Who can draw up an energy certificate?
Only an authorised person entered on the central list of those entitled to issue certificates. A document drawn up without authorisation is worthless. The finished certificate is recorded in the central register of building energy performance.
What's the penalty for not having a certificate?
Failing to hand the certificate to the buyer or tenant breaches the rules and is punishable by a fine. The notary advises of this duty and the consequences of not meeting it when drawing up the deed. So it's worth preparing the certificate ahead of the transaction.
Do I need a certificate just to live in my own home?
No. Merely using your own house or flat, without selling or renting it, doesn't create a duty to have a certificate. The duty arises on a transaction — a sale or rental. There are also statutory exclusions for some types of building.
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