Energy Performance Certificate (to sell or rent your property)

What you need to have at hand

1. Referencia catastral (14 characters). Get it at https://www.sedecatastro.gob.es in two minutes.
2. Your and the property's details: DNI, address, area, year built, use (vivienda/local), utilities.
3. Decision: will the technician register it or will you? If they do it, give them signed autorización.

Documentation

• DNI/NIE del propietario and, if applicable, the representative.
• Autorización de representación simple if the technician submits for you.
• Certificado en PDF and archivo XML exported by recognised software (CE3X, HULC, etc.).
• Justificante de pago de la tasa autonómica (if your comunidad charges it; some are free, others not).
• Cadastral and property data (exact address, floor, superficie útil/const., year, use).

Step by step

1. Check if it applies: if you're going to sell or rent (more than 4 months/year), you need the certificate. Exceptions are limited (detached building <50 m², ruin, temporary use…).
2. Get the referencia catastral at the Sede del Catastro. The registry and the technician will ask for it to locate the property.
3. Hire a competent technician. Ask that the service includes a visit, photos and that they give you PDF+XML. Beware of offers without a visit: they risk rejection and fines.
4. Receive the report: check the data (address, area, installations) and that recommended improvements are listed. If something is wrong, have them correct it before registering.
5. Regional registration:
   • Usually the technician files it in your comunidad's register with their certificado digital.
   • If you do it: enter the sede de tu Comunidad Autónoma with Cl@ve or certificado, search “Registro de Certificados de Eficiencia Energética”, upload PDF+XML, pay the tasa if needed and sign.
6. Download the label and the registration receipt. Use them in adverts and hand them to the buyer/tenant at signing. Keep them safe.
7. Renewal: every 10 years or sooner if you make significant works.

Time-savers

• Let the technician register it: they already know the portals and quirks.
• Ask for the XML as well as the PDF. Without the XML, many registries won't accept it.
• Check the software version: a registry error can come from an XML exported with an old version. Get it re-exported if needed.
• Have the tasa paid before uploading (if your comunidad charges it). Some portals won't finish without the NRC/receipt.
• Adverts: put the letter and scale in the listing (sale/rent). That avoids flags and fines.

Common mistakes that can derail the process

1. Certificate without a visit: cheap and fast… and rejected or fined.
2. Uploading only the PDF: without the XML many comunidades won't register it.
3. Wrong cadastral data: wrong referencia and the file stalls.
4. Forgotten tasa: it stays “pending” and you don't get the label.
5. Expired certificate: it's valid 10 years; advertising with an expired one can cost you a fine.
6. Not including the label in adverts: publishing the rating is mandatory; portals and inspectors check it.