Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
WHAT IS AN EPC (ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE)
The government is introducing Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
If you are buying or selling a home you now need a certificate by law. From October 2008 EPCs will be required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. The certificate provides ‘A’ to ‘G’ ratings for the building, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being the least. Accredited energy assessors produce EPCs alongside an associated report which suggests improvements to make a building more energy efficient.
AN EXAMPLE EPC
DOES EVERYONE NEED AN EPC?
- The EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent.
- Sellers or buyers of homes
All sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a Home Information Pack which includes an EPC for potential buyers. - An EPC must be made available to a potential homebuyer – free of charge.
- Builders
An EPC needs to be provided to buyers of newly built properties.
- Landlords
If you are a landlord, you’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years. - An EPC isn’t required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.
- Tenants
If you are interested in renting a property then an EPC must be made available to you free of charge. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years. - If you are a prospective tenant, an EPC isn’t required when you rent a room and share facilities.
- If you are not in one of the above categories
Even if you do not fall into the above categories, you can still apply for and receive an EPC. This may be because you want to know what the energy efficiency of your home is and implement improvements suggested by the recommendation report.
Source: www.direct.gov.uk
WHY IS THE GOVERNEMENT INTRODUCING EPCs
The EPC is part of a series of measures being introduced across Europe to reflect legislation which will help cut buildings’ carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
The requirement is being introduced to comply with the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which applies to all property, including rented property.
HOW MUCH DO EPCs COST AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE?
The price of an EPC is set by the accredited organisations which issue them. When you obtain a Home Information Pack, the overall cost should include that of an EPC. If you apply for an EPC on its own then the cost for an average house is approximately £100.
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Web: www.onlineinventories.com
Tel: 0870 116 4525
Fax: 0770 116 4526
eMail: info@onlineinventories.com
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