Residential EPCs
By law Energy Performance Certificates are required for all residential properties if you are:
Selling – All sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a Home Information Pack which includes an EPC for potential buyers before marketing of their property begins.
An EPC contained within a Home Information Pack is valid for three years.
Renting – All landlords need to provide an EPC and recommendation report free of charge to prospective tenants the first time they let or re-let a property after 1 October 2008. The EPC must be available no later than:
- When written information about the building is provided on request
- When a viewing is conducted
- Before entering into a contract to let
An EPC for rented property is valid for ten years.
Building – All builders of newly built property need to provide an EPC when a home is constructed and physically completed. This will also apply if a building is modified.
If the completed home is being advertised for sale, the EPC is available to include in a Home Information Pack for potential buyers for the next three years.
Predicted Energy Assessment
If you are selling a home before it has been built, you will need to provide information about energy efficiency in a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA).
This is simply the predicted SAP and Environmental Impact (CO2) rating you do at the design stage to check whether you will meet energy-saving targets.
A Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of a property which sellers, buyers, and lenders can legally rely on as an accurate report.
The Report is an important part of the Pack and can be included by sellers on a voluntary basis.