If you are selling a property, you will need a valid Energy Performance Certificate or EPC. This is a document that formally rates the energy efficiency of a property and gives a range of relevant information, including the level of carbon dioxide emissions and ways in which energy efficiency could be improved. We explain what you need to know about EPCs and answer the question, How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?

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We offer a FREE initial chat so that you can ask us any questions you may have about EPCs or buying or selling a property. Call us 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 and York area.

When is an Energy Performance Certificate needed?

An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A to G, where A is the most efficient. If you are planning on selling, renting out or building a property, you will need an EPC. You must order the certificate before you put your property on the market for sale or rent.

Ideally, you will have the certificate before the property goes on the market. If not, you have a further 21 days to secure the certificate. The estate agent will then put the EPC with the marketing details so that potential buyers and renters have the information they need.

How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?

EPCs are valid for ten years from the date of issue. You can check whether a property has an EPC in force by looking on the government’s website.

If you are selling or renting out a property and you have done work to improve energy efficiency, you can arrange for a new, up-to-date EPC to be issued. This may have a lower rating, which could make your property more marketable.

How do you get an Energy Performance Certificate?

EPCs are issued by accredited energy assessors. The assessor will inspect the property and prepare the certificate, which will be made available to you digitally. They will generally need access to all rooms, including the loft.

The cost of an EPC will depend on the assessor as well as the size of your property. A list of approved domestic energy assessors is available from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The assessor must be part of an accreditation scheme appointed by the government. This means that they are qualified to carry out EPC assessments.

What is shown on an Energy Performance Certificate?

Your EPC will include the following:

• Your energy efficiency rating, from A to G
• Ways in which you could improve the property’s energy efficiency
• A target rating that you might be able to achieve if improvements are made

There will be a coloured graph on the front of the certificate showing the current rating next to the potential rating. This is calculated by looking at energy efficiency and fuel costs. The potential rating is what the assessor believes the rating would be if their recommended improvements are made.

As well as a rating, you will be given an exact number for energy efficiency and environmental impact or CO₂ emissions. For example, you may have a rating of 75 for energy efficiency. The rating of C is given for properties with 69-80, so the energy efficiency rating will be a C.

Next, the main elements of the property are listed, and each is rated for energy efficiency and environmental impact or CO₂ emissions on a scale of one to five. The elements will generally include:

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

Home appliances are not included in the assessment.

Estimated energy costs are broken down into heating costs, hot water costs and lighting costs. There is a column for the existing costs and one for the potential future costs if improvements are made. A figure for potential savings may be included.

The assessor’s recommendations are listed. Next to the suggestion is the estimated cost of the work, the financial savings you could make and the energy and environmental rating you could achieve.

These may be separated into lower cost measures and higher cost measures.

Lower cost measures could be improvements such as insulation and lagging a hot water cylinder. Higher cost measures could include installing heating controls or a new condensing boiler.

The assessor can also make suggestions on how to achieve the maximum possible rating.

The report will include some information on the work suggested, giving details of the standards needed to be effective. For example, it can include measurements for the depth of insulation required to improve the energy efficiency score.

Do you have to have an EPC if you are selling or renting out a property?

There are some exceptions when an EPC is not required, as follows:

• Temporary buildings that you intend to use for less than two years
• Detached buildings with useable floor space of less than 50 square metres
• Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that do not use much energy
• Some buildings that are set for demolition
• Holiday accommodation that is let under a licence to occupy or that is rented out for less than four months each year
• Residential buildings intended to be used for less than four months each year

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards or MEES specify the rating a landlord must have if they wish to let a property. The current requirement is to have a rating of E or better. Properties with lower ratings can only be let if the property has an exemption.

Tenants must always be provided with a copy of the EPC when they take on the property.

It is intended to increase the minimum requirement for rented properties C by the year 2030.

Contact our East Yorkshire conveyancing solicitors

If you are thinking of buying or selling a property or you have questions about EPCs other conveyancing issues, call us today and 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 and York area.