energyreporter.co.uk

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required for almost all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out. The intention of EPCs is to allow potential building owners and occupiers to understand the energy efficiency of the buildings they are thinking of occupying and show how improvements could be made. The EPC has a life of 10 years and can be reused within that time.

The seller or landlord is responsible for providing the EPC and is also responsible if it is not available. Estate agents have to ensure that the EPC has been commissioned and arrangements have been made to pay for it. The EPC should then be available within 28 days from the first day of marketing. It should be available when a property is being viewed and when written sales details are provided. Breaches of obligation can result in £200 (per dwelling) Penalty Charge Notice from Trading Standards Officers.

There are some exceptions; places of worship, temporary buildings with a planned time of use of two years or less, industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand and stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m2 which are not dwellings are all exempt. Also, you do not need an EPC if you are letting a single bedroom within your household as this does not constitute a rental of a whole ‘building'.

The EPC includes a banded colour coded rating chart and a cost / benefit analysis of the recommendations stated. The extension of EPC's to the rental market is particularly important as the energy efficiency of these properties is often overlooked by both landlords and tenants. It is hoped that the provision of this information will enable landlords to use their improved energy efficiency as a method of attracting new tenants.

For information on prices and contacts please click here. If you are a landlord and require EPC's for your properties please contact our office for a tailored quote. Discounts are available for multiple EPC instructions.If you would like to know more about how the EPC is measured click here.

For a no obligation quote with no hidden extras please call on 07989 900 586, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or complete a contact form here.