How do the legal requirements affect you?

Home sellers and buyers

If the sale of your home needs a HIP, you will need an EPC as part of the pack. EPCs will also be needed from October 2008 when homes are sold without requiring a HIP (eg: a non-marketed private sale between individuals, a portfolio sale of homes, or a Right to Buy sale to a social housing tenant).

Estate Agents

If you are providing written particulars for a property being marketed for sale, you will need to include the graphics showing the energy efficiency rating and the environmental impact rating for the property, or attach the EPC (but not the Recommendation Report) to the particulars.

Landlords and Tenants

From 1 October 2008, if you are renting out your property, you will need to provide a certificate to any prospective tenant. There is no need to obtain a EPC for an existing tenancy. Once obtained, a certificate remains valid for up to 10 years. If a valid EPC still exists when changing tenants no new certificate is required.

Developers

It is likely that the more energy efficient properties will be more attractive to potential tenants and purchasers. It is obviously more cost-effective to design for energy efficiency rather than have to upgrade a property once it is constructed. As a builder or property developer you are required to obtain a valid EPC before the Building Control Inspector issues a Completion Certificate. The Completion Certificate will not be issued if an EPC has not been produced.

Please call or email us to discuss your requirements and to obtain a fee quote.