Changes to EPC Regulations
Posted on 13th February 2019
Lancaster Law Firm, MG Legal note that the changes in regulations which took place in April last year are causing problems for Commercial properties.
The EPC contains various information about the property’s energy usage and its effectiveness. The Property is then given a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient)…similar to a report card at school, only this time getting an F or G could mean much worse for you than detention! Conveyancing Solicitors will always review an EPC prior to completion of a matter. This is because every property, save for agricultural buildings or buildings due to be demolished, must have an EPC if they are put on the open market, up for let or a lease renewal. These are transactions that MG Legal’s property team, is very much experienced in.
Changes in regulations mean that a property cannot be sold, rented or have its lease renewed if its EPC rating is an F or a G. This is because the Government is attempting to reduce total carbon emissions by 2050 by 80%.
Many commercial properties are at risk of being affected and the National EPC Register indicates that 18% of commercial properties in England and Wales hold ratings of “F” or “G” and a further 20% hold an “E” rating. If you are a Tenant wishing to sublet you should contact your local conveyancing solicitors as these changes to regulations could also affect you. The EPC regulations will also apply to existing lease renewals including statutory renewals under the Landlord and Tenant 1954 Act. From 1 April 2023, the EPC regulations will then “catch” existing lettings that were entered into before the implementation date.
MG Legal, Solicitors in Preston, draw your attention to the fact that the Regulations give Local Authorities the ability to issue compliance notice and penalties of up to £150,000.00 if a Commercial property is let with an EPC rating of F or G.
Property Owners seeking advice on the new regulations should contact MG Legal, Conveyancing Solicitors in Preston as soon as they want to sell or lease a property. We can discuss how you obtain an EPC along with the implications of a rating which falls into the F or G category. Contact us now on enquiries@mglegal.co.uk or via 01995 602 129.
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Tagged as: Conveyancing, Conveyancing Solicitors Preston, Garstang Solicitors, Preston Property Law, Your Local Solicitors
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