Date Published 21 February 2018
EPC stands for an Energy Performance Certificate and it rates how energy efficient your property is. It uses grades from A to G (A being the most efficient).
If you own a property and you want to let or sell it, you have to legally have an EPC to be able to do so.
EPC is prepared by an independent EPC assessor who will visit your property. It is valid for 10 years and its cost will depend on the size of your property and location.
It will show you a current energy rating and a potential rating should there be any improvements made to the property.
If you do any improvement to your property related to energy efficiency, i.e. fitting a new boiler, insulation, double glazing, etc. the energy rating will increase. As more energy efficient properties attract more tenants or home buyers, you may consider having a new EPC completed to show the new rating.
The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 introduced a new minimum level of energy efficiency for privately rented property in England and Wales. From 1 April 2018 any landlords who are letting their property (whether domestic or non-domestic) must ensure the energy efficiency of their property reaches at least grade E before granting a new tenancy or renewing a tenancy to the existing tenants.
From 1 April 2020 these requirements will then apply to any domestic property even if the tenants have been there since before 1 April 2018. Deadline for non-domestic (commercial properties) will be 1 April 2023.
If you have any concerns about your EPC rating and how to improve it, contact me on sarka@distinctestateagents.co.uk or 01295 234 750.
Until next time,
Sarka
