BESO applies to:

• Single-Family Homes and Duplexes (1-2 units): Effective January 1, 2026
• Triplexes and Fourplexes (3-4 units): Effective January 1, 2028

BESO does NOT apply to:

• Condominiums
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

To meet BESO’s Resilience Standard, you must earn at least 6 credits by completing upgrades from the approved list. Credits can be earned for work completed in the 5 years prior to sale.

High-Value Upgrades (6 Credits Each)

• Heat Pump Water Heater – Electric heat pump replaces gas water heater
• Heat Pump HVAC – Electric heat pump for space heating/cooling
• Knob & Tube Replacement – With pre-wiring for 240v receptacles
• Smart Service Panel – Automated load management system
• Electrical Service Panel Upgrade – Increase capacity (e.g., 100A to 200A)

Medium-Value Upgrades (2-4 Credits)

• Solar PV – Solar panels (3 credits)
• Battery Energy Storage – Home battery system (3 credits)
• Window Replacements – Energy-efficient windows (2-4 credits)
• Wall Insulation – Exterior or interior wall insulation (2-4 credits)
• EV Charger – Level 2 electric vehicle charging station (2 credits)
• Electric/Induction Range – Replace gas stove (2 credits)
• High Home Energy Score – Score of 9 or 10 (2 credits)
• Attic Insulation – Improve attic insulation (2 credits)
• HVAC Duct Improvements – Sealing, insulation, or replacement (2 credits)
• Whole-House Fan – Ventilation cooling system (2 credits)

Lower-Value Upgrades (1-2 Credits)

• Electric Clothes Dryer – Replace gas dryer (1-2 credits)
• Pre-wiring & 240v Receptacles – Prepare for future electrification (1-2 credits)
• Floor/Crawlspace Insulation – Under-floor insulation (1 credit)
• Greywater System – Water recycling system (1 credit)
• Air Sealing – Reduce air leaks (1 credit)

Important: All work must be permitted and meet code requirements. Click upgrade links in the compliance section for detailed installation criteria.

Typical cost ranges for common upgrades:

• Heat Pump Water Heater: $3,000-$6,000 (earns 6 credits – full compliance!)
• Heat Pump HVAC: $10,000-$20,000 (earns 6 credits – full compliance!)
• Solar PV + Battery: $15,000-$30,000 (earns 6 credits combined)
• EV Charger + Induction Range + Windows: $8,000-$15,000 (earns 6+ credits)
• Deferral Option: $2,500 seller non-refundable deposit (buyer completes later)

Note: Costs vary widely based on existing conditions, rebates available, and installer rates. Many upgrades qualify for local or state rebates that can significantly reduce net costs.

Step 1: Get a Home Energy Score (Required Before Listing)

Before listing your property for sale, you must obtain a Home Energy Score assessment:

• Hire a qualified assessor from the City’s list of Registered BESO Energy Assessors
• Each unit in multi-unit buildings requires a separate score
• Assessment results in a score from 1-10 (higher is more efficient)
• Home Energy Score is valid for 5 years
• Must include score in MLS listing Property Notes section
• Must include assessment report in disclosure documents

Cost: Typically $300-$600 per unit

Failure to comply: $500 non-compliance fee

Pro tip: You may already have a valid Home Energy Score if one was completed within the past 5 years.

Step 2: Choose Your Compliance Option

Once you have your Home Energy Score, you must choose one of three compliance paths:

Option A: Complete Upgrades to Meet Resilience Standard

• Install upgrades to earn at least 6 credits from the approved list
• Can get credit for upgrades made in the 5 years before selling
• All work must be permitted and meet current code
• Submit documentation via BESO Portal with $150 filing fee
• Receive BESO Certificate of Compliance from City
• Certificate transfers with property at sale

Best for: Sellers who want to complete upgrades and market property as “BESO compliant”

Option B: Qualify for Heat Pump Exemption

• If ALL units have electric heat pump water heater OR heat pump HVAC, property may be exempt
• No additional upgrades required
• Submit Home Energy Score via BESO Portal with $150 filing fee
• Receive BESO Certificate of Compliance

Best for: Properties that have already electrified major systems

Option C: Defer Upgrades to the Buyer

• Coordinate with buyer and title company before close
• Submit BESO Upgrade Deposit Form
• Deposit $5,000 to the City ($2,500 from seller, $2,500 from buyer)
• Buyer has 2 years to complete upgrades (plus optional 1-year extension)
• City refunds $5,000 to buyer after upgrades completed

Best for: Sellers who don’t want to complete upgrades before sale or are on tight timelines

Step 3: Submit Documentation and Receive Certificate

For sellers completing upgrades (Option A or B):

• Log in to the BESO Portal
• Upload required documentation:
  • Home Energy Score report
  • Building permits and final inspection approvals
  • Contractor invoices and specifications
  • Photos of completed work (if applicable)
• Pay $150 filing fee
• City reviews submission (typically 1-2 weeks)
• Receive BESO Certificate of Compliance via email
• Provide certificate to escrow/title company at closing

For buyers completing deferred upgrades:

• Complete upgrades within 2 years of purchase
• Submit documentation via BESO Portal with $150 filing fee
• Receive Certificate of Compliance
• Submit BESO Upgrade Deposit Refund Form
• Receive $5,000 refund check from City

Note: Paper applications can be submitted by mail if needed, but the online portal is faster and recommended.

Additional Exemptions & Exceptions

• All-Electric Homes: Properties with no gas service and capped gas lines are exempt (verification required)
• Income-Qualified First-Time Buyers: Buyers enrolled in CalPLUS or MyHome programs are exempt
• Early Refund Exception: Buyers can receive deposit refund early with signed contractor agreement and permits

Contact the BESO Helpdesk at BESO@berkeleyca.gov or (510) 981-7465 for exemption applications.