Energy Performance Certificate
Plain English
It's an energy-performance certificate for a building or flat, rating it from A4 (best) to G (worst). A certified technician inspects the property and produces the document. It must be ready before sale or new lease contracts.
Why it matters
Without an APE, a landlord can\'t legally sign a new long-term lease, and a sale contract can\'t be registered. The class also matters for taxes, bonuses, and resale price.
Real example
"Before listing his flat in Salerno for rent, Owen called a certified geometra to draw up the APE. The visit took half an hour, and the certificate landed in his email two days later."
Common confusion
The APE is the landlord\'s or seller\'s responsibility, not the tenant\'s. If a landlord asks you to pay for it on a new lease, push back politely.
Official source
ENEA