Gainesville, Fla., ordinance requires Home Energy Score during rental inspections

The city of Gainesville, Florida was recently recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Energy for an adopted ordinance that requires rental housing to receive a Home Energy Score during rental inspections.

The ordinance, believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S., applies to all rental units including quadruplexes and smaller properties. The city’s permit and inspection program aims to raise minimum energy efficiency, safety, and property maintenance standards for regulated residential rental units.

The Home Energy Score is a numerical rating from one to 10 that helps homeowners, buyers, and tenants understand how energy-efficient a home or rental unit is and how it compares to other units. The score is based on a unit’s envelope—roof, foundation, walls, insulation, and windows, and its energy systems—heating, cooling, and hot water. The higher the score, the higher a unit’s energy efficiency.

As a DOE 2022 Annual Partner Innovation Award program partner, Gainesville is required to inspect a minimum of 500 homes per year. More than 440 rental units have been scored to date.