More about EPC:

• All properties built or physically completed on or after 6 April 2008 will need to have an EPC provided on construction. This will also apply if a building is converted into fewer or more units and changes are made to the heating, hot water provision, air conditioning or ventilation services.



• Energy Performances Certificates tell owners and potential buyers and tenants about the energy efficiency of a home and how it can be improved.



• It gives the building a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the best and with the average to date being D/E. This is shown on the certificate in a format similar to the energy labels that are often used for domestic appliances and cars.



• The energy performance certificate also shows the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations are followed.



• An EPC comes with a recommendation report which includes advice and suggestions on improvements you could make to save money and energy.  



• With the current energy prices, following the recommendations could soon help save you money. Moreover, the EPC gives you a good starting point for you to apply for grants to increase your property’s energy efficiency, which in turn can help make your property more attractive to potential tenants.



• An EPC for rented property is valid for ten years. Only accredited energy assessors are able to produce Energy Performance Certificates, using Government approved software programmes.

3 Frequently asked questions on EPC

Do I need an EPC for a new home?

In the case of new homes, you will get a shorter recommendation report that contains recommendations for more advanced energy improvements, such as solar panels. This is because most energy-saving improvements will have already been included in the design of the property.

Can I market my property with out a valid EPC?

The EPC must be made available for any home, free of charge, to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity and in any event where any of the following events happens:

• When the home is viewed (even if that means providing the EPC before any written information or particulars are provided)

• If written information about the home is provided as a result of a request by a prospective tenant

• Before the tenant signs a contract to rent the home.

It is not placing a property on the market that defines the point at which an EPC must be available, but any of the circumstances listed above.

Should I give a copy of the EPC to my tenant?

The Energy Performance Certificate and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by a landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity.

A qualified Domestic Energy Assessor will make contact you to make an appointment to inspect your property. You will subsequently receive your EPC and recommendation report.

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