How do I obtain an EPC certificate?

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, is a four-page report that rates a property’s energy efficiency from A to G, with A indicating the most efficient.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives prospective tenants and buyers an overview of a property’s energy efficiency. The certificate will outline the usual energy costs for the building and offer suggestions on how to use less energy overall to improve the building’s energy efficiency.

Do you need an EPC?

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, buildings that are to be built, rented out, or sold must have an EPC. Before the property is listed for sale, an EPC must be ordered, and upon request, it must be made available to potential purchasers or tenants.

You risk being fined if you fail to provide an EPC when requested.

However, there are some structures for which an EPC is not necessary, such as:

• Sacred spaces
• Holiday lodging and homes occupied for fewer than four months a year
• Workshops and Industrial sites
• Buildings slated for demolition
• Structures designed to be operated for fewer than two years
• Standalone structures with a usable floor area of less than 50 square meters.

When do you need an EPC?

A home must have an EPC within seven days of being advertised for sale or rental; however, if you are working with an estate or letting agent, they should take care of this on your behalf.

Without an EPC, landlords and sellers may incur fines of up to $5,000.

How often is an EPC certificate required?

After it has been done, the EPC is valid for ten years and applies to the property, not the individual who commissioned it. EPCs may be utilized several times during this period.

How much does an EPC Cost?

EPC costs can range from £35.00 to £120.00 plus VAT; as there is no set pricing, it is wise to compare quotes from different providers. Make sure to do the assessment directly rather than through an estate agent to receive the lowest EPC cost.

The cost of your energy performance certificate will also vary depending on a number of aspects of your home, including the type of property you own and the number of bedrooms. The cost of the EPC may also depend on where your house is located and the area you live in.

How do I get an EPC?

An accredited domestic energy assessor must do EPCs; you may find one in your region through the government’s official EPC register. Ensuring there is a valid EPC on the house should be part of their duties if you are going for an estate agent to sell your home or a renting agent to rent it.

Even if you don’t intend to sell your home, an energy performance certificate can help you determine how energy-efficient your house is and show you where improvements can be made to lower your fuel costs.

Can I get an EPC certificate online?

An accredited domestic energy assessor must physically inspect your property in order to complete an EPC, even though you can request an EPC certificate online.

What are the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards?

On April 1, 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) went into effect, establishing new energy efficiency guidelines for privately rented homes across the UK. It intends to draw attention to properties’ poor energy efficiency standards to persuade landlords to take action to improve them.

Under the MEES, a privately rented property can only receive an “E” grade; anything with an “F” or “G” rating is not permitted to be rented out.

The landlord will be obligated to spend up to £3,500 on these upgrades to get a property’s rating to “E.” They will be able to ask for an exemption if the property cannot be upgraded to that point without costing more than £3,500.

Would I always require an EPC?

There are a few circumstances in which you wouldn’t need an EPC. For instance, if your property is listed, protected, or located in a conservation area, some energy-efficient upgrades may drastically change the way it looks.

Consult the conservation officer of the local government if you have any questions.

Although a self-contained unit with its own front entrance and amenities within a larger house will need an EPC, a rented room within a house won’t.

Energy performance certificates are rather simple to arrange when selling or renting your house. The certificate will give you a good understanding of your home’s energy efficiency and opportunities for cost savings, whether you schedule one directly with a Domestic Energy Assessor or arrange the evaluation through your estate agent. Contact us if you need help setting up an EPC certificate for a property in London.