Q: What is an Energy Performance Certificate
(EPC)?An EPC is a certificate issued by an accredited
energy assessor that expresses the ‘asset rating’ of
a building. Its purpose is to indicate to the owner how energy
efficient a building is.
In format, the actual certificate looks very similar to that
of an Energy rated label found on a washing machine or fridge.
Q: Is the EPC certificate the same as the one
being produced for HIP packs?
Yes. It is known as an rd SAP EPC certificate
and is only produced for existing properties that are on the
market for sale, and from October,2008 for those properties being
marketed for rent.
Exception: New build properties from April,
2008 will have a different EPC, known as a full SAP EPC certificate.
This certificate will be passed to the owner on exchange completion.
Q: As a residential letting landlord do I need
to have an EPC?
From 1 October 2008, all properties being let
to new tenants will require an Energy Performance Certificate
(EPC). This requirement has been brought about by the Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive and will be enforced by Trading
Standards.
Q: What benefit is an EPC to me, the Landlord?
The EPC will provide an energy rating for the
building on a sliding scale from A (very efficient) to G (least
efficient). The higher the rating, the more energy efficient
the property is. A Recommendations report will accompany the
EPC on how best to make savings and reduce carbon emissions.
Various grants are available to help improve
the energy efficiency of your property, Details of which can
be obtained from the appropriate council department.
Whilst there is no compulsion to act on the
recommendations made in the EPC report, acting on the recommendations
could make the property more attractive to prospective tenants,
worried about high fuel bills.
Q: What are the consequences for not having
an EPC in place by 1st October, 2008?
Landlords marketing their properties for sale
or rent from this date without an EPC run the risk of being served
with a fixed penalty of £200 per property by their local
Trading Standards officer.
Q: How long are EPC certificates valid for?
It is expected that the EPC certificate will
remain valid for 10 years, where no alterations have been made
to the property that will affect the overall Energy Rating of
that property.
Q: In what circumstances will I need to renew
the EPC?
Where you have made improvements / alterations
to the property that affects the Energy Rating. For example;
upgraded the boiler, increased loft insulation levels, installed
double glazing, or cavity wall insulation. If in doubt your Letting
Agent or local council will be able to advise you further
Q: If I own one property that is split
into flats. Do I need individual EPC’s?
Where a large property is split into a number
of ‘self – contained flats’ (eg: each flat
having its own boiler system) then each flat will require an
EPC certificate.
Q: Who is qualified to produce the EPC certificates?
Currently only Domestic Energy Assessors and
Home Inspectors are qualified to carry out onsite full Energy
Assessments and produce the EPC certificates.
Effective on 12th March, 2008
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