What exactly is EPC? When people talk about EPC, they are referencing documentation that is going to refer to the energy efficiency of any property, as well as the type of environmental impact it
has. Properties can be rated from A to G. Properties that have the A rating are those that are very efficient, whereas those that have a capital G are not doing very well at all. Essentially, you want to find a property that has already been inspected by an energy assessor that is accredited, or you can talk to the real estate agent you are working with to arrange this type of assessment. It is an inspection that, once it is carried out, can provide you with a document called the EPC. Valid for 10 years, it’s a certificate you will want to keep your hands on. Fourlabs is the best of the best when it comes to property marketing services, but don’t just take our word for it!
Is It Necessary To Have An EPC If You Are Selling Your Property?
If you want to sell your property, by law, it is necessary to have an EPC. Every vendor that works with real estate understands that it is their responsibility to have this ready prior to marketing the house or property. If there is an expired EPC, you will have to contact the commission that can help you get a new one prior to any marketing at all. When you are selling through an agent, they can help you renew this or get a new one.
This is very important for any potential buyer to see as it will help them understand how efficient the home is in terms of energy usage, what those costs will be, especially when using the property regularly. You will also notice that the EPC is going to provide advice related to energy efficiency, advice that can lead to the reduction of energy costs.
The buyer’s solicitor
is going to ask for this document, and if the EPC is not provided, especially by a particular time, the vendor can be penalized.
EPC Changes In Regulations Regarding Landlords
Before any landlord is able to let a property, the EPC must be provided. There are certain regulations that are going to change regarding EPC’s, and those that have rental properties are waiting to see what happens. The New Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are going to be produced for the month of April. Going back to 2018, April 1, properties that were rented also had to have a capital E rating, and anything below that was not allowed to be let out at all. In certain circumstances, these may only apply to tenancy renewals. If they do apply in this way, for existing tenants, or those that will soon be renting your properties, it’s going to be different from 1 April in 2020.
If landlords decide to make improvements, which they should if they have a F or G rated property, they should pay for this themselves. Landlords want to do this simply because it is in their best interest to have a multitude of energy efficient properties are are going to be much more appealing. If the tenant believes that their energy bills will be lower, and they may actually be warmer during the cold winter months, they will find this attractive. Landlords that often experience times when people will not consider their homes it has to do with the energy bill and how much it could be.
Therefore, it is important for both homeowners and landowners to improve energy efficiency standards on their properties with the intent of having the highest rating possible. There are minimum energy ratings, which are currently at E, and this could change as the years progress because the government is intent on reducing the amount of carbon emissions into the atmosphere which is why energy-efficient properties are needed.