Energy Performance and your Property

Energy Performance and your Property
Energy Performance and your Property

Energy Performance and your Property

22|04|08

Energy Performance Certificate’s (EPC’s) are already a required element of the Home Information Pack on the sale of residential properties. On 6th April 2008 however, the Government are extending the requirements for EPC’s so that by 1st October 2008 ALL properties, both residential and commercial, will require an EPC on sale, rental or when newly built.

When do these changes take effect?

The changes are due to take place gradually over the next six months with new build residential properties and those commercial premises over 10,000m² the first to be affected.

From 1st July 2008, all commercial premises over 2500m² will also require an EPC, with the remaining residential properties and commercial premises requiring an EPC from 1st October 2008.

There will also be an additional requirement for public authorities and public institutions whose buildings are over 1000m² and are visited by members of the public. These properties will not only have to obtain an EPC but will also need to commission and exhibit a Display Energy Certificate at their premises.

What does this mean for me?

If you are the owner or landlord of residential or commercial premises and you intend to sell or lease after the relevant date for your size and type of property, then you will be required to provide an EPC. Developers also need to ensure that an EPC is provided for their new build properties from 6th April 2008 to comply with the Regulations.

If your commercial property is on the market before the relevant date, or a lease for the premises is in existence or will be before the relevant date, then you will not be required to provide the certificate. This applies similarly for all residential leases and tenancies, including assured shorthold tenancies, which are already in existence or are entered into before 1st October 2008. Should your property not sell by the 1st October 2008 however, you will then need to obtain an EPC.

Failure to obtain an EPC will be considered a breach of the Regulations and fines can be levied. These range from £200 for a residential property to between £500 and £5000 for commercial premises.

Need further advice or information?

The extension of the requirement for an EPC is likely to have a significant affect on both commercial and residential clients alike. Should you require any further information, please contact our Commercial Property team who will be happy to help on 01792 773 773 or email law@johncollins.co.uk