Property owners should check their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to make sure it is not about to run out, as the scheme hits its tenth anniversary.
EPCs first came into law in England and Wales on August 1, 2007, designed to give information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs, and to make recommendations about reducing energy use. They also give a rating from A to G, and are only valid for ten years.
Now the ten-year anniversary of their introduction is round the corner, a property expert at regional law firm Napthens is warning that many are about to run out, often without the property owner’s knowledge.
EPCs are needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented, and must be in place before a property is marketed.
This is to become even more critical as a new standard for energy efficiency comes into effect in April 2018, meaning all new lettings and tenancy renewals must meet a minimum ‘E’ rating or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Sarah Barnes, head of Residential Property at Napthens, said: “Much of the time EPCs are something which people become aware of when they are putting a property up for sale or to rent, and promptly forget.
“Now the tenth anniversary of their introduction is nearly upon us, landlords must check whether their EPCs are still valid, by confirming the date of the certificate and ensuring it is less than ten years old.
“Existing certificates can easily be checked through the website of the National Energy Performance Certificate Register, where an assessor can also be found to produce a new one.
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking the only people to need an EPC is a private landlord. Property owners thinking of buying or selling a property must also be aware of their importance, and companies renting out commercial property will also need to make sure everything is in place.
“Certificates may only have a few months left to run, and it’s important to leave enough time to get a new one in place.”
