What is a BER rating?
What the A0 to G energy rating means for your heating bills, and why ads must show it.
The scale
A Building Energy Rating (BER) estimates how much energy a home needs for heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation. Since 24 May 2026, new certificates use a simpler scale from A0 (most energy efficient, no fossil fuels) to G (least efficient), without the old sub-grades like B1 or B2.
Certificates issued before then, on the old A1 to G scale, stay valid for 10 years from the date they were issued.
In practice, a place rated C or below will usually cost noticeably more to heat than an A- or B-rated one of the same size.
BER in rental ads
Homes offered for rent generally need a BER, and the rating should be included in the ad. Some buildings, such as protected structures, are exempt. When you post on StayLister you choose the rating, or mark the property as exempt.
Common questions
What does a BER rating mean?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) estimates how much energy a home needs for heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation. Since 24 May 2026, new certificates use a scale from A0 (most energy efficient) to G (least efficient).
Is an old BER certificate still valid?
Yes. Certificates issued on the old A1 to G scale stay valid for 10 years from the date they were issued.
Does a rental ad need to show a BER?
Homes offered for rent generally need a BER, and the rating should be included in the ad. Some buildings, such as protected structures, are exempt.