EPCs for domestic property sales and rental

Sales

An EPC is required for all marketed sales of domestic properties and must be included in the Home Information Pack (HIP); EPCs within a HIP are valid for one year. (See below regarding how we can help with HIPs.) All EPCs must be undertaken by a qualified and accredited assessor. The EPC must be made available to prospective buyers to assist them in their choice of property and to make clear how the energy efficiency can be improved.

EPC [Energy Performance Certificates] and Home Energy Assessors in Dorset and Somerset

Rental

An EPC has been required since October 2008, whenever a property is marketed to prospective new tenants, but NOT on renewal of an existing tenancy agreement. An EPC is not required for an ongoing tenancy, or if the property is to be left vacant, or if the property is to be occupied by the owner. The document must be available when the property is being viewed, or when an offer of accommodation is made. A Home Information Pack (HIP) is NOT required; the EPC will be a stand alone document. All EPCs must be undertaken by a qualified and accredited assessor.

For rental purposes, the EPC will be valid for up to 10 years.

For an explanation of what exactly an EPC is, click on the follwing link:
EPCs, their importance and methodology - general explanation

Contact the government (CLG) helpline on 0845 3652468 for authoritative advice on EPCs and the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive).

Directors: Vaughan Jones, BSc & Clive Topper, BSc, PhD
Telephone: 01305 755615 Email:
Registered in UK, number 6214814 VAT registration number 907 5533 20
Registered Office: Oake House, Silver Street, West Buckland, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9LR