Fines up to 5,000 PLN for Missing Energy Certificate

2 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Sellers and landlords must present an energy performance certificate before sale or rental. Missing it can mean fines up to 5,000 PLN.

Many Polish homeowners and landlords still forget a key document before selling or renting. You must show an energy performance certificate before many property transactions.

Table of Contents

Why the energy performance certificate matters

The certificate shows how much energy a building uses in normal use. Moreover, it helps buyers and tenants estimate future bills. Therefore, it affects a property’s market appeal and running costs. In addition, the document supports transparent negotiations about price and rent.

When the certificate is mandatory

The obligation applies when you sell an apartment. Moreover, it applies when you sell a single-family house. In addition, you must provide it when you rent a flat or a house. However, the law does not demand the document for properties used only by the owner. Consequently, private, non-commercial use usually needs no certificate.

What the certificate contains

The document lists heating energy needs. Moreover, it covers hot water preparation. In addition, it assesses ventilation and cooling systems. Therefore, it shows the building’s insulation performance. Consequently, prospective buyers can more clearly predict energy costs.

How to get it and how much it costs

An authorised specialist must prepare the certificate. Moreover, authorities keep a central register of qualified professionals. In addition, prices vary by property size and complexity. Typically, owners pay several hundred to about one thousand PLN. However, work on large homes or complex sites can raise costs. Therefore, buying the certificate usually costs far less than potential fines.

Renovations and new certificates

If you improve insulation or change heating, update the certificate. Moreover, replacing a boiler or installing a heat pump may require a new assessment. In addition, upgrading ventilation or adding insulation changes the building’s energy class. Therefore, get a fresh certificate after significant upgrades.

Penalties and enforcement

The law sets fines for selling or renting without the required document. Moreover, officials can fine owners up to 5,000 PLN. Therefore, agents and sellers should check paperwork before signing contracts. In addition, courts and municipal inspectors enforce the rule when they find violations.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, start by checking the central register to find an authorised assessor. You usually need only the certificate to progress with sale or rental. Moreover, you do not need a Polish national ID to own property. However, you may need a PESEL (national ID number) for some administrative steps. In addition, expect to receive official letters like “mandat” (a fine notice) if you break rules. Finally, know that institutions such as ZUS (social security) and NFZ (national health fund) handle other matters, but not this certificate.

Before you list a property, confirm that the certificate exists. Moreover, ask your estate agent to check the document. In addition, verify that the assessor is listed in the central register. Therefore, you reduce legal risk and avoid fines.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.