Legislation filed late in the session by Governor Baker to require home energy audits before a home could be listed for sale has been shelved by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications Utilities and Energy.
Bill H.4371, “An Act Relative to Consumer Access to Residential Energy Information” was reported out not to pass upon expiration of time granted Committees to consider legislation. Earlier this year the Committee sent similar legislation
S.1839, “An Act Relative to Home Energy Efficiency” to a study.
The Greater Boston Real Estate Board and Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® oppose any new law that would require an energy inspection prior to the sale of an individual’s home and the creation and use of a mandatory energy score. Such provisions would add expense, time, and complications to an already complicated transaction without creating any measurable energy efficiency investment in homes. Additionally, the proposed mandatory government energy labeling requirements could have significant negative impacts on homeowners and the housing market across the Commonwealth.