What Is An EPC? Do I Need One?

An Energy Performance Certificate, more commonly referred to as an EPC, rates a property in terms of its energy efficiency. The highest rating a property can achieve is an A, while the lowest rating is a G.

EPCs also reveal information about the property’s energy use and any costs associated with, including recommendations to make the property more efficient and thereby reducing your electricity bill.

An EPC is mandatory if you are either renting or selling a property which is contained in England, Wales and Northern Island. They are not required in the below circumstances:

· Properties used less than four months a year.

· Buildings intended to be destroyed.

· Industrial sites.

· Places of worship.

· Listed buildings are not required to obtain an EPC as any improvements may change the building’s original features.

How do I check my EPC?

The EPC register will evidence the validity of a certificate and when it is due to expire. Thiere are also alternative links for Northern Ireland and Scotland.

What happens if I do not have one?

If you are a landlord or if you are selling a property, you may receive a fine of up to £5,000 which is due to increase to £30,000 by 2025.

How is a property assessed?

The assessors will visit your property and will consider the below when establishing the efficiency of your house:

· The heating system used in the property

· The glazing type of windows.

· The size of the property.

· The lighting of the property.

· The quality and quantity of insulation used.

A certificate will then usually be issued within a week, however, this is dependent upon the firm used for the assessment and the time scales they have advised.

Does my rating actually matter?

Landlords are required to have a minimum property rating of E, unless specified otherwise. The government plans to implement the Minimum Energy Performance of Building Bills by 2025. This effectively means all new tenancies require an EPC rating of C and all rental properties where the works are deemed reasonable and proportionate are expected to comply.

As a landlord, they are very important as failure to obtain this will risk a hefty fine.

Although there are no minimum ratings for a home-owner, they are also important. EPCs provide an indication of how energy efficient a property is and therefore how much you may save by improving your overall rating. The government is actively encouraging homeowners to increase their rating and have speculated it wishes for all properties within England to have a minimum rating of C by 2035.

Challenging your EPC:

If you feel that your EPC rating has been miscalculated, the first step is to contact the assessors who carried out the report and voice your opinions formally and request that the property is re-assessed based on the concerns raised.

Do I need a follow up assessment following improvement?

Whilst there is no specific need, it will improve your rating if the property is re-assessed following implementation of the improvements specified in the original certificate. It is important to note, the same assessor should be used to re-assess the property as they recorded the original rating being refuted and it will help to avoid any discrepancies in future results.

For further information, please feel free to contact us.