Energy Performance Certificates

EPC’s are required when a property is bought, built or rented and it is always recommended to obtain an EPC prior to marketing your property. If you do not have an EPC (even for a private sale) you could be fined. If you are selling through an Estate Agents, then they will usually arrange for the EPC to be carried out when the property is marketed however if you are selling privately then there are details online for accredited assessors. 

 

From April 2018 new laws were brought in to ensure that landlords of privately rented properties in England and Wales can only rent out properties that reach at least an “E” rating before granting a new tenancy or lease. Properties within the scope of the change in law will include any domestic privately rented property which: has an EPC and is either required to have an EPC; or is within a larger unit which itself was required to have an EPC, either at point of sale, or point of let. 

No changes were made to existing regulations regarding the provision of EPCs. This means that it is the sale or letting of a property which can bring a property within the scope of the Regulations. Similarly, if a bedsit is part of a block that is sold, then the EPC requirement on the sale of the block will bring it within the scope of the regulations. 

 

Flats and houses are subject to the April 2018 regulations if they are legally required to have an EPC as a result of being sold or let. In the case of flats this means a self-contained unit. Non-self-contained units, such as bedsits, do not require an individual EPC but may require one for the whole property. 

 

An EPC will remain current as long as it is dated within the last ten years however a further certificate should be commissioned if any changed, alterations or extensions have been added to the property. The most up to date EPC will replace any pre-existing EPC’s even if a previous EPC is still in date. 

 

Some properties will not require an EPC such as temporary buildings, buildings which are due to be demolished or some listed buildings. 

 

You can check whether there is an existing certificate in place for your property by visiting www.epcregister.com. 

 

If you are thinking about selling or letting your property, MG Legal, Conveyancers and Property Lawyers, are on hand to advise you with regard to Energy Performance Certificates or any other conveyancing matters. MG Legal are Property Solicitors in Lancaster, Longridge and Garstang; we can assist with all aspects of Conveyancing in your Local Area.