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DL 101-D/2020

Energy Certificate: Requirements, Classes and Fines

Mandatory in all sale and rental listings. Valid for 10 years. Fines up to €3,740 for non-compliance.

Legal summary

  • Law: DL 101-D/2020
  • Validity: 10 years (residential)
  • Authority: ADENE
  • Maximum fine: €3,740

Energy class scale

A+
A
B
B-
C
D
E
F

What DL 101-D/2020 Requires

Mandatory in listings

Before

Certificate required only at the time of deed

Now

SCE number mandatory in all sale and rental listings

New and renovated buildings

Before

Certificate obtained at construction completion

Now

Minimum class B required for new buildings and PRR-funded renovations

Who Is Affected

Sellers

Required to present valid certificate in listings and deliver it before deed. Without certificate: fine up to €3,740.

Landlords

Same obligation as sellers for rental contracts. The certificate must accompany the rental agreement.

Buyers/Tenants

Should request the certificate before signing. A low class can be negotiated as a price discount or works obligation.

Non-Compliance Risks

SituationFrequencyImpact
Sale/rental without certificateMandatory by law€250 – €3,740 fine
Expired certificate (>10 years)Common for portfolio properties€250 – €3,740 fine
Class E/F — sale price impact15% of properties€3,000 – €15,000 price discount
Green mortgage refusal due to low classGrowing in 2025–26Higher rate or credit refusal

Get Your Energy Certificate with InspectOS

InspectOS works with ADENE-accredited technicians across Portugal. The process includes a property visit, thermal envelope and systems analysis, and issuance of the official SCE certificate. For E or F class properties, we also offer an energy improvement plan with ROI estimate and access to PRR subsidies.

From €200
·
SCE certificate in 3–5 working days
Get Energy Certificate

Energy Compliance Checklist

  • Verify the energy certificate is valid (less than 10 years old)
  • Confirm the SCE number appears in the sale/rental listing
  • Deliver a copy of the certificate to buyer/tenant before deed
  • If class E or below, evaluate energy improvement works before sale
  • Check eligibility for PRR energy rehabilitation subsidies
  • Confirm the ADENE technician is accredited on the SCE portal

Frequently Asked Questions

When is an energy certificate mandatory?
The energy certificate is mandatory in all property sale or rental listings in Portugal. The law requires the certificate number to appear in the listing and the document to be delivered to the buyer or tenant before contract signature.
How long is an energy certificate valid?
The SCE energy certificate is valid for 10 years for residential properties and 6 years for service buildings. After this period, it must be renewed with a new visit from an ADENE-accredited technician.
What is the fine for not having an energy certificate?
Non-compliance fines range from €250 to €3,740 for individuals. For properties with energy class F or G sold or rented without a certificate, the fine can be further increased by ADENE.
Does a low energy class affect the sale value?
Yes. Studies of the Portuguese property market show that properties with class E or F sell on average 8–15% below equivalent properties with class B or above. Additionally, buyers with bank financing prefer classes A and B to access green mortgages with more competitive rates.
Does the energy certificate cover all rooms?
The ADENE technician assesses the entire property — thermal envelope (walls, roof, windows), HVAC systems, domestic hot water and lighting. The issued certificate reflects the overall property performance, not individual rooms.

Related Services

Renovation PassportBuilding InspectionHVAC Inspection

Sources: DL 101-D/2020 — Diário da República · ADENE (adene.pt)