Published: 24/04/2023 By Alex Parish
What is an EPC and do I need one for selling or letting a property?A EPC (Energy performance certificate) is required when a property is built, rented or sold. It is a report that accesses the energy efficiency of a property. Within the report there is information on a property’s energy consumption and use with typical associated energy costs. There are also recommendations about how to improve the energy efficiency of the property and reduce costs to save money.
Given the soaring energy costs, this report is extremly useful if your looking at buying, selling or renting a property.
The EPC report rates a property from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient) and once produced stays valid on a property for 10 years, no matter how many homeowners in this timeframe.
In situations where a buyer or tenant is looking at property, they will be able to roughly gauge how energy efficient a property is. Within the report, there will be recommendation as to how you can improve the overall rating of the property. Some small changes will be in the form of changing light bulbs to energy efficient ones. Bigger changes will recommend the installation of solar panels or a new heating system etc.
Do I need an EPC?
It is law for any property to have an EPC that is to be sold or let. The emphasis is on the homeowner and Estate Agent to have the report done before marketing the property.
Are there exceptions where a property doesn’t need an EPC?
Buildings that do not need an EPC are
- Buildings with internal floor place of less than 50 SQM
- Places of worship
- Temporary non standard buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
- Industrial sites, workshops and bascially non residential agricultual buildings that do not use a lot of energy
- Building that are due to be demolished
- Holiday accommodation that is rented out for less than 4 months a year
- Listed buildings
EPC’s for Landlords letting out a property.
It is a legal requirment for a Landlord and Estate Agent to have an up to date EPC when renting a property out or when starting a new tenancy. There are now minimum requirements required when renting a property.
In 2018 the legislation changed requiring rental property’s to be rated E or above. If a property is rented without being this rating (or above), then you can face a fine of up to £150,000 dependent on the value of the property. Should a invalid EPC be displayed then you could face a fine of £200