If you are selling, renting or developing a property, you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate or EPC. This should be given to estate agents and letting agents when the property is listed, so that potential buyers and tenants can see the property’s rating. We explain why and answer the question, what is an Energy Performance Certificate?

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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates rate the energy efficiency of a property. They provide information on energy use and the level of carbon dioxide emissions from a home as well as recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions.

Properties are rated with a grade from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient.

What is included on an EPC?

An EPC shows an estimate of the property’s energy bills alongside the potential reduction that could be achieved if works were carried out to make the property more energy efficient.

An energy efficiency rating is given, together with the rating that the assessor believes you would have if you carried out the works recommended in the attached report.

The following points are likely to be included, with their current energy efficiency and the current environmental impact, with ratings of very good, good, average, average, poor or very poor:

• Walls
• Roof
• Floor
• Windows
• Main heating
• Main heating controls
• Secondary heating
• Hot water
• Lighting

A summary of the top actions that are likely to make the most savings and provide the most efficiency is given, along with the potential improvement in energy efficiency and reduction in environmental impact of each. An estimate of the potential annuals savings is included.

Works to make improvements are listed, with lower cost measures and higher cost measures detailed.

How long is an EPC valid for?

An EPC is valid for 10 years. However, if you have carried out work that is likely to have improved your home’s EPC rating since the date of any existing certificate, you might want to obtain a new EPC as it may have a better rating. Higher ratings can mean that a property is easier to sell or commands a higher price.

How do I check if a property has an EPC?

If you intend selling or renting your home, you will need a valid EPC. You can check whether there is already an EPC by using the government’s ‘Find an energy certificate’ service. You can search using the property address and postcode.

How can I get an Energy Performance Certificate?

If you do not have a valid EPC or you would like a new one, you need to ask an accredited assessor to visit your property and carry out the assessment. The government’s website has a search facility to help you find a local EPC assessor. Alternatively, your estate agent or letting agent may be able to recommend someone.

How can I improve my EPC rating?

Research suggests that energy efficiencies that result in a better EPC rating can improve the sale price. Your EPC may contain advice on ways to reduce your energy consumption. This could include:

• Wall and roof insulation, although spray foam should generally be avoided and cavity wall insulation approached with caution as these can be problematic
• Solar panels
• Replacing single glazing with double glazing
• Ensuring you have a modern condensing boiler or other energy efficient heating system

When do I need an EPC?

The law requires that if there is no valid EPC for a property, one is commissioned before it is marketed for sale or rent. The estate agent or letting agent will need to be sure that an EPC has been requested before they advertise a property.

You need to try and provide the EPC within seven days of the property being put on the market. If this is not possible, despite your best efforts, you have a further 21 days.

The agent is then required to display the EPC with the property details. The EPC will be given to the buyer or tenant on completion of the transaction.

Is an EPC always necessary?

In the following cases, an EPC is not needed:

• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years
• Stand-alone buildings with usable floor space of less than 50 square metres
• Holiday accommodation that is rented out for less than four months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
• Listed buildings
• Residential buildings intended to be used for less than four months a year

Is an EPC provided when you buy a property?

If you are buying a property, you should be provided with a copy of the EPC. You will be able to check the rating and see what work is recommended to improve the energy efficiency of the property. This will give you the opportunity to find out the likely costs of works so that you have a good idea of what you might want to do before you complete your purchase.

Landlord EPC requirements

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply to rental properties. If you will be renting out a property, it must have an EPC rating of E or higher. If the rating is F or G, it can only be rented if you have an official government exemption.

Your tenant must be given a copy of the EPC when they rent the property.

The government intends to increase the minimum energy rating for rental properties to C by 2030.

Contact our East Yorkshire conveyancing solicitors

If you are considering buying or selling a property and you would like help with conveyancing in East Yorkshire or beyond, we will be happy to help.

You can ring us for a FREE initial chat on 01482 300 200, email us at welcome@lockings.co.uk or fill in our Free Online Enquiry and we will call you back promptly. We have offices in Beverley, Hull and York and represent clients across the East Yorkshire area.