Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in 2007 to measure the efficiency of buildings. As EPCs need to be renewed every 10 years, the first generation of EPC holders may now require new surveys.
Commercial EPC
Getting an EPC done will give you pointers on how to make your business premises more efficient, saving you money on bills which can go towards other projects. Further to this, legally you must display an EPC if:
- the total useful floor area is over 500 square meters
- the building is frequently visited by the public
- an EPC has already been produced for the building’s sale, rental or construction
- you are planning to rent or sell the property
If you fail to comply, you could be fined between £500 and £5,000 based on the value of the building,
Domestic EPC
You’ll need a domestic EPC if you are renting or selling a property. If you’re a landlord, it is more important than ever to ensure your EPC certificate is up to date. Since April 2016, tenants have had the right to request certain energy efficiency improvements that the landlord may not reasonably refuse. Renting a property with a recent EPC allows them to see what measures could be taken to lower their energy bills.
It is already a legal requirement for landlords to have an EPC conducted prior to rental, but as of spring 2018, landlords will not be able to rent out properties unless they hold an EPC rated E. Landlords face a fine of up to £4000 for non-compliance. It’s therefore well worth spending a small amount of money on an assessment now!
Don’t let it slip your mind – we know life can get in the way and it’s easy to forget these things – book ahead to make sure you’re not rushing around trying to get a new EPC at the last minute.
Get in touch if you need a domestic or commercial EPC!