BESO Time of Listing

BESO Energy Assessments Reveal Individualized Energy Improvement Opportunities. For general information about BESO see: www.cityofberkeley.info/BESO

Important BESO Documents
	Online BESO Application Portal* Check Compliance Status Submit BESO application and filing fee Retrieve Copy of Compliance Form Download BESO Assessment or Fuel Source Disclosure  BESO Guide to submitting an online application   BESO Paper Application
	Green Building Registry View and download Home Energy Score Assessments
	Registered Energy Assessor Lists Commercial, Multifamily & Mixed Use Houses (1-4 unit residential buildings)

BESO Compliance Steps 

1.  Check building status by looking up the building address on the online BESO Portal. Type in your building address to check its current BESO Status. The building must have a current “Compliant” status before it’s sold. See the list of statuses and next steps to bring your building into compliance: 

• No Status Listed or Due Prior to Listing: The building is subject to the BESO requirements and must complete an application for BESO compliance prior to listing. These properties are still eligible for a 6-month deferral.

• Pending - Deferral to Buyer Requested: The seller has submitted the initial deferral application and has paid the deferral fee. Once a buyer and sale date have been established, the buyer will need to submit the final deferral application to obtain the BESO Deferral Form C.

• Compliant - Energy Report on File: The BESO assessment for this property is current and the building is approved for sale at this time. The BESO Compliance Form A and BESO assessment can be retrieved through the portal.

• Compliant - Deferred to Buyer (Form C): A 6-month deferral to buyer was filed for this building. The BESO assessment and application/filing fee needs to be submitted before the deferral expires on the date listed under “Energy Report Due”. 

• Compliant - Deferred (Form D): The building has an active BESO deferral. The BESO assessment and application/filing fee needs to be submitted before the deferral expires on the date listed under “Energy Report Due”.

• Exempt - No Further Action Required: The building is exempt from BESO and an assessment is not required at this time.

• Non-Compliant - Energy Report Past Due: The BESO assessment is past due and must be completed as soon as possible. Buildings listed as non-compliant are not eligible for a 6-month deferral to buyer. 

2.  Choose one of the following compliance options before listing your building for sale:

• Complete an Energy Assessment - Hire a Registered BESO Energy Assessor qualified for your building type from the Registered Energy Assessor List (Commercial, Multifamily & Mixed Use or Houses [1-4 unit residential buildings]).The assessor will provide a copy of the Energy Report to the customer and the City. The City will email a Compliance Form A upon receipt of the BESO application and filing fee. Filing fees range from $79 to $250 based on building size, see the Table of Fees below for details.

• Complete an Energy Efficiency or Electrification Upgrade - Buildings that participate in a verified Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (such as BayREN Home+) or complete a qualifying energy efficiency or electrification upgrade will be exempt from their current BESO assessment requirement. See below for a list of qualifying upgrade projects. No filing fee is required.

• Apply for a Deferral to Buyer - This transfers the responsibility for BESO compliance from the seller to the buyer. The Time of Sale Deferral requires the buyer to complete an energy assessment within 6 months of the sale date. In lieu of the BESO Assessment, the BESO Fuel Source Disclosure must be provided to potential buyers. See steps below:

1. Seller submits the "Request Deferral to Buyer" online application prior to listing, inputs the energy source (Electricity or Natural Gas) for all major appliances and systems, and pays the $110 deferral fee.
2. A link to the Property's Fuel Source Disclosure will be emailed to the seller. The Fuel Source Disclosure must be provided to all potential buyers.
3. Once a buyer and sale date have been established, the buyer must submit an online application (no filing fee) to accept the BESO deferral and obtain the BESO Deferral Form C. The buyer then has 6 months to complete the required assessment. Alternatively, the buyer can complete a qualifying energy efficiency or electrification upgrade in lieu of a BESO assessment (see the list of qualifying upgrade projects below).

-OR- 

• Deferral for New Construction or Extensive Renovation - Time of Listing reporting requirements may be deferred for up to ten years for new construction or extensive renovation. A project qualifies as an "extensive renovation" if it includes replacement of all energy-related equipment (i.e. water heating and space heating) and at least half of the building envelope. Submit a copy of all applicable permits along with application. A Deferral Form D will be generated; no filing fee is required. Submit the Deferral Form D to title company at closing. A 24-month extension can be granted from a current assessment requirement for a planned "extensive renovation" or demolition.