How to simplify EPCs
Posted: 16/04/2014
Mark Burrows, a senior associate in our real estate team, presents a brief overview of Energy Performance Ceritificates:
What transactions trigger the requirement?
- Whenever you construct, sell, or grant a lease over a building or part of a building
Are building modifications caught?
- Yes they can be, check with your solicitor or the property’s agent.
When does the EPC need to be done by?
- At the earliest opportunity when the building is in the process of being offered for sale or rent.
I heard that parts of buildings were not caught by the regulations, can I avoid doing one?
- No. The drafting error in the 2012 regulations which suggested this has been corrected.
Are there any exemptions?
- Yes (religious buildings, holiday lets, listed buildings) for but take advice as the regulations are detailed.
It’s a waste of time, I won’t do it.
- If you don’t comply with the regulations and are found out then you could face a fine of somewhere between £500-5000 depending on the nature of the breach.
Any other advice?
- Check to see whether a certificate already exists
- Find an energy assessor – click here.
- Speak to the assessor – if you provide them with some information up front (eg- floorplans, details of central heating) then they may be able to do the report more quickly.
This article was published in Estates Gazette in April 2014.
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