Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
The Background
Introduced as part of EU Directive to help combat climate change.
Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) consists of:
- Energy efficiency rating on a scale from A to G
- Environmental impact rating on a scale from A to G
- Details of the property features
- Recommendations for improvements
- EPCs can only be produced by Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) that are fully qualified and accredited by an authorised government scheme.
Who needs an EPC?
- The EPC is a mandatory component of the Home Information Pack (HIP), which is requiried for most domestic property that is marketed for sale.
- From 1st October 2008, all properties being sold, or rented will require an EPC.
- All landlords will be required by law to provide an EPC for all buildings, or parts of buildings, when they are rented.
Legal Obligations for Landlords
From 1st October 2008, the landlord becomes responsible for ensuring a valid EPC is made available free of charge to any prospective new tenants at the earliest opportunity and no later than:
- When any written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information received.
- When a viewing is conducted.
- If neither of these occur, before entering into a contract to sell or let.
An EPC does not have to be made available if:
- The landlord believes the prospective tenant is unlikely to have sufficient funds to rent the property, or is not genuinely interested in renting that type of property.
- The landlord is unlikely to be prepared to rent out the property to the prospective tenant.
- When a renewal of an existing tenancy occurs.
- Once an EPC is obtained for a property, a new one is not required on subsequent changes of tenant for the period that the certificate is valid.
Trading Standards will be responsible for ensuring compliance. The Landlord will face a fixed penalty of £200 per dwelling, per incident and will also be made to obtain an EPC.
Roffeys accredited Domestic Energy Assessors can provide EPCs for Landlords. For a competitive quotation, please call our lettings team on 020 8502 3500 or 01992 787100, or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will a property that is already occupied on 1st October 2008 require an EPC?
No, it will only require an EPC when that tenant leaves and the property is then marketed to a new tenant. If you are just renewing an existing agreement, an EPC will not be required.
Q. How long will the EPC be valid for?
EPCs for the rental sector are currently valid for 10 years. They can be re-used as many times as required within that period.
Q. If you decide to sell your property can the EPC, previously obtained for rental, be used?
If the property is marketed for sale, you will need a Home Information Pack. In this case, the EPC for the HIP must be no more than 12 months old. If, however, you are selling it as an investment (i.e. with a sitting tenant), or without marketing, a HIP will not be required and an EPC produced within the last ten years can be used.
Example of an Energy Performance Certificate
