Mandatory noise classification for residential properties offered for sale or rent in Luxembourg
Submission date 13/03/2026
PURPOSE : The issue:
Currently, Luxembourg has a technical standard for building acoustics (ILNAS 103-1:2022), but it is voluntary . As a result:
Apartments advertised as "quiet" or "peaceful" have no legal definition
Tenants cannot verify noise levels before signing a contract
Disputes over noise have no objective standard for resolution
Consumers are misled with no legal recourse
What Luxembourg already does:
Luxembourg already recognizes noise as a serious health issue. In July 2023, Parliament unanimously passed a law providing up to EUR16,000 per house and EUR8,000 per apartment for insulation against Findel Airport noise . In June 2025, the government launched a public consultation on national noise action plans for road, rail, air, and urban noise, transposing EU Directive 2002/49/CE .
However, these measures only address airport noise and environmental mapping. There is still no requirement to disclose noise levels to tenants before they rent an apartment. This petition fills that gap.
The proposal:
We request the Chamber of Deputies to establish a mandatory noise classification system for all residential properties, similar to existing energy performance certificates. This proposal would complement ILNAS 103-1:2022 and could be integrated into the amended Law of 18 December 2023 on consumer protection.
Classification scale:
A+: 0-10 dB - Virtually silent
A: 10-15 dB - Very quiet, peaceful
B: 15-35 dB - Quiet, peaceful
C: 35-45 dB - Moderate
D: 45-55 dB - Noisy
E: 55-65 dB - Very noisy
F: >65 dB - Loud
Measurement requirements and cost:
All noise measurements shall be taken using a sound level meter that complies with IEC 61672-1 standards
Devices shall meet at least Class 2 accuracy (±1.5 dB), with Class 1 devices recommended for dispute resolution
Professional-grade Class 2 devices are commercially available from EUR196.90, making certification affordable and accessible for any qualified professional
Measurements must be accompanied by a valid calibration certificate issued within the last 2 years, or basic field calibration verified by the professional
The device must support A and C frequency weighting and fast/slow time weighting
Measurements shall be taken during peak traffic hours (weekdays 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00) and nighttime (22:00-7:00)
The final classification shall reflect the highest measured level during these periods
Measurements must be taken at representative locations inside the dwelling
Key measures:
Mandatory certificate before any sale or rental, issued by a qualified professional (architects, engineers, and technicians accredited by ILNAS or holding recognized acoustic certification)
Valid for 5 years, showing measured noise levels and classification
For buildings constructed before 2020, the certificate shall disclose measured levels without requiring minimum class; full classification applies to new constructions and major renovations
"Quiet" in advertising must mean Class B or better, misrepresentation subject to penalties
Tenant remedies when actual noise differs from certificate: right to terminate contract, claim rent reduction, or seek compensation
Enforcement by ILNAS or Consumer Protection Directorate, with fines of EUR1,000-EUR25,000 for violations
Cost of certificate borne by property owner, tax-deductible as property expense
3-year transition period before law takes effect
Integration with MyGuichet.lu for easy upload with rental contracts and sales deeds