Dutch landlords could face penalties for failing to upgrade energy ratings of homes

Landlords in the Netherlands could face enforcement penalties from municipalities starting from 2029 if they rent out homes with the lowest energy ratings, which are E, F, and G. The measure is included in a proposal submitted to the Tweede Kamer by Minister Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan (Housing, D66).

Under the proposed rules, landlords would have to improve rental homes to at least energy label D by 2029. The government would not require a specific renovation approach, and landlords would be personally responsible for deciding on how they will meet the targets.

The proposal allows for several exemptions. Those would be for historic buildings, rental homes that are only used temporarily, and small detached homes, including houseboats.

The government had also planned to phase out energy labels C and D by 2040. However, that step has not been included in the new regulations.