Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- What is a Energy Performance Certificate?
- How Long is an EPC Valid for?
- How Long does an EPC Assessment Take?
- How do they Calculate my Energy Rating?
- Do I Need an EPC?
- What will happen if I do not get a EPC?
- Who needs access to my EPC?
1. What is a Energy Performance Certificate?
The purpose of an EPC is to tell you how energy efficient a property is on a scale of A-G, the most efficient property being band A should have the lowest energy bills. The Certificate also includes recommendations and ways to improve the energy efficiency of the property to save you money and help the environment.
EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all homes, so you can compare there energy efficiency. Part of the EPC is a report which will list the potential rating that your home could achieve, if you made the recommended changes (see example below).
The report lists:
- Suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
- The approximate cost
- The possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
- How this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property
You can use this information to:
- Cut your fuel bills
- Improve energy performance in your home
- Help cut carbon emissions
- Help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent or buy
You do not have to act on the recommendations contained in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, then it could make your property more attractive to a tenant or or a buyer when you decide to sell.
Click on the icon above to view an example
of a EPC
2. How Long is an EPC Valid for?
An EPC is valid for 10 years. If you have an existing EPC nearing the end of its legal life, it will remain valid for as long as your home is continuously on the market (for sale), if however you take your home off the market for more than 28 days you will need to replace it if your EPC is over 10 years old if you decide to place your property back on the market.
3. How Long does an EPC Assessment Take?
A 3 bedroom house will take approx. 45mins to 1 hour, complex properties with one or more extensions will probably take longer.
4. How do they Calculate my Energy Rating?
EPC's are produced using standardised methods using some common assumptions, so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another.
The assessor is interested in the heating and hot water provision for the property and the structure characteristics of the building including walls, floors, roof and type of glazing. The dimensions of the property will also be taken to ascertain the floor area and floor heights. Access to all rooms is required so the assessor can to record information on radiators, glazing and lighting. Access to the loft space is also required to checked the type and amount of loft insulation. Photographs may be taken during the assessment purely to support site notes and are not included in the EPC.
5. Do I Need an Energy Performance Certificate?
Landlords in England & Wales - From the 1st October 2008 Landlords in England and Wales will be legally required to show any new prospective tenants an Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) prior to letting the property.
If you have a tenant in your property before the 1st October 2008 you will not be obliged to have an EPC until the tenant leaves and the property is re-let. However if you suspect your rental property may become vacant in the near future it may be wise to order your EPC sooner rather than later to ensure you comply with the legislation, and do not leave it to the last minute.
Houses for Sale in England & Wales - Communities secretary Eric Pickles, laid an order before parliament suspending Hips, pending primary legislation for a permanent abolition. However you would still need to purchase an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which was originally included in a home information pack. Sellers will still be required to get an Energy Performance Certificate showing how energy efficient a property is within 28 days of putting their home on the market, as this is a requirement under EU law.
Houses for Sale and Rent in Scotland - The EPC legislation for Scotland came into effect from the 4th of January 2009. All Scottish Landlords and prospective sellers must now provide Energy Performance Certificates to new and prospective tenants / buyers.
6. What will happen if I do not get a EPC?
Local Trading Standards Officers will police the legislation and Landlords and sellers who do not produce the EPC could be fined £200, once a fine has been imposed you will still be required to purchase an EPC or risk further £200 fines.
7. Who needs access to my EPC?
The EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge to any prospective tenant or buyer that the landlord or seller deems suitable. This is usually when there is a viewing or a request has been made for the property particulars, at the very least the EPC must be produced before the letting contract/tenancy agreement is signed.
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Further Information
- Landlords Guide - Renting your House Privately
- 3up2down To Let Signs - To Let Boards
- Rent your House Privately for FREE
