Page 15 - Julian Marks

Energy Performance
Certificates Explained
Our quick and easy guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC):
when they are needed, how to obtain one and which properties are exempt.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is:
• built
• sold
• rented YoumustorderanEPCforpotentialbuyersandtenantsbeforeyoumarket
your property to sell or rent.
An EPC contains:
• information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs • recommendationsabouthowtoreduceenergyuseandsavemoney
AnEPCgivesapropertyanenergyefficiencyratingfromA(mostefficient) to G (least efficient) and it is valid for 10 years.
How to get an EPC
You’ll need to find an accredited assessor if you’re selling or renting out your home. They’ll assess your property and produce the certificate. You can be fined if you don’t get an EPC when you need one. The person selling the house, the landlord or the letting agent must show you the EPC if you’re buying or renting.
Buildings that don’t need an EPC
These include:
• placesofworship
• temporarybuildingsthatwillbeusedforlessthantwoyears
• stand-alonebuildingswithtotalusefulfloorspaceoflessthan50 square metres
• industrialsites,workshopsandnon-residentialagriculturalbuildings that don’t use a lot of energy
• somebuildingsthatareduetobedemolished
• holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than four months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
• listedbuildings-youshouldgetadvicefromyourlocalauthority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character
• residentialbuildingsintendedtobeusedlessthanfourmonthsayear
See other properties’ EPCs
You can look at the EPCs of other properties free of charge. This lets you compare your home’s energy performance with that of similar homes. You can search by the property’s address or by the EPC’s report reference number. You can opt out of the EPC register if you don’t want other people to be able to see your EPC.
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