What is an EPC

An Energy Performance Certificate – or EPC – is a four-page document which sets out the energy efficiency of a property on a traffic light system of A to G – A being the most efficient. An EPC provides an indication of how much it will cost to heat and power a property.

Is an EPC a Legal Requirement 

An EPC is not required, for each individual room. However, an EPC will be required on the whole building if it is sold or rented. It will also be required on self-contained units within the hall, for example, a self-contained caretaker's flat, if this is sold or rented.

Can i check if my property has an EPC

You can look at the EPCs of other properties free of charge. This lets you compare your home's energy performance with that of similar homes. You can search by the property'saddress or by the EPC 's report reference number.

Can i market a property without an EPC

It is against the law to advertise a property for rent without an EPC. If you didn't know you had to see an EPC before you signed a tenancy agreement, and you have learned that your home does not have one, you can make a complaint to your local Trading Standards office.

How Long does an EPC take 

The EPC is valid for ten years and the survey of the property will usually take between 45 minutes and an hour.

Can you fail an EPC

In a word no – it is not possible to fail an EPC!

Who is responsible for commercial EPC?

The seller or landlord is responsible for ensuring there is a Commercial EPC for the building, or part of the building, being sold or let, even if an agent or another service organisation is acting on their behalf or providing an EPC.

Buildings that do not need an EPC

• Places of worship
• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
• Stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres
• Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that do not use a lot of energy
• Some buildings that are due to be demolished
• Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
• Listed buildings - you should get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building’s character
• Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year