Heat Act 2026 for property managers: What’s changing?
The revised Heat Act 2026 will have a significant impact on property managers, housing associations and building owners who supply heat to tenants or residents.
Where earlier versions of the Act mainly focused on energy companies, the 2026 update gives property managers a central role in the heat transition.
This article explains what will change, what new obligations are introduced, and how property managers can use these developments to achieve more efficient and sustainable building management.
What is the Heat Act 2026 and what does it mean for property managers?
The Heat Act governs the supply of heat through collective systems such as district heating, block heating, and thermal energy storage (WKO) installations.
The revised 2026 version aims to ensure:
- Greater transparency and protection for end users
- Faster decarbonization of heat networks
- A central coordinating role for municipalities
- Fairer tariffs and reporting standards
Importantly, the Act applies not only to large-scale networks but also to small collective systems within property developments — bringing many property managers directly under its scope.
Read also: What Changes in District Heating from 2026?
Why the Heat Act 2026 matters for property managers
Many property managers and housing corporations supply heat through central installations, effectively making them “small-scale heat suppliers.”
The new Act significantly expands their responsibilities — especially regarding transparency, reporting, and sustainability.
Key Focus Areas
- Insight into consumption and costs per user
- Transparent billing and communication
- Reporting on the origin and CO₂ reduction of heat
- Compliance with municipal heat plans
Key changes for property managers
1. Municipalities Take the Lead
From 2026, municipalities will designate heat supply areas and decide who may deliver heat within them.
Property managers distributing heat will need to align their role with municipal policies and report their activities accordingly.
2. More Transparency for Tenants
End users gain the right to clear information on their consumption, tariffs, and the sustainability of their heat supply.
Billing data must be accurate, traceable and verifiable.
Read also: How Is District Heat Consumption Measured?
3. Sustainability and Reporting Requirements
The law emphasizes the use of renewable sources and CO₂ reduction.
Property managers will need to demonstrate that their systems contribute to the decarbonization of heat demand.
4. Stricter Data Management
Reliable consumption data and continuous monitoring become essential.
Without automated data processing, compliance with the Heat Act 2026 will be nearly impossible.
5. Supervision of Small Heat Suppliers
Smaller heat suppliers — often property managers — will be subject to the same oversight principles as larger networks.
This means more administrative obligations and compliance checks.
Operational impact: From insight to accountability
The Heat Act 2026 requires property managers to have greater control over both the technical and administrative aspects of heat supply, including:
- Accurate measurement and billing
- Continuous monitoring of systems and faults
- Efficient reporting and data integration
An Energy Management System (EMS) makes this easier by automatically recording, validating and converting usage data into billing data.
Read more: Energy Management System for Businesses
Turning compliance into value: opportunities for property managers
The Heat Act 2026 brings not only obligations but also opportunities for professional growth.
By using data intelligently, property managers can improve heat management, reduce costs, and add measurable value to their operations.
Benefits of Data-Driven Heat Management
- Fewer complaints through transparent billing
- Lower maintenance costs via predictive management
- Improved ESG and CSRD reporting
- Stronger collaboration with municipalities and energy partners
Read also: District Heating for Businesses
How property managers can prepare for the Heat Act 2026
To stay ahead of the new regulations, property managers should begin preparations now:
1. Map your installations and processes
Identify which buildings supply heat and fall under the Act’s scope.
2. Ensure reliable metering and billing data
Without accurate data, compliance with transparency rules will be impossible.
3. Automate monitoring and reporting
Digitalization saves time, minimizes errors and ensures auditability.
4. Collaborate with municipalities and energy partners
Proactive cooperation simplifies compliance and strengthens long-term partnerships.
Professional property management in a new era
The Heat Act 2026 marks a turning point for the real estate sector.
For property managers, it means more responsibility — but also a chance to stand out through transparent, sustainable and data-driven heat management.
Those who invest now in smart data and automation will not only achieve compliance but also take a leading role in professional and sustainable property management.
Need expert advice on the Heat Act 2026?
Want to know how your property portfolio can meet the new heating requirements?
Contact Aurum Europe for tailored advice on data-driven heat management, EMS integration and sustainable property operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Heat Act 2026 also apply to small property managers?
Yes, even managers of block heating or thermal storage systems (WKO) fall under the Act.
What are the main obligations?
Transparency in consumption and billing, sustainability reporting, and compliance with municipal heat plans.
How can property managers comply with the new requirements?
By investing in reliable metering and digital monitoring through an EMS.
What does this mean for tenants?
More insight into consumption, costs and the origin of their heat supply.
Is the Heat Act 2026 a risk or an opportunity?
Both — it requires adaptation but offers opportunities to professionalize operations and strengthen sustainability.