EPC briefing
What is the purpose of an EPC?
The Energy Performance Certificate is a new legal requirement which tells the potential buyers of your property how energy efficient your home is. The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home and is represented on a scale of A-G, with ‘A’ being the highest score and ‘G’ being the lowest.
The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.
MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY
From 1 April 2018, all rented property (both domestic and non-domestic) which is to have a new tenancy must have an EPC rating of at least “E”.
This requirement also applies to all renewal tenancies to the same tenant for the same property on or after 1 April 2018. The duty is also triggered by any periodic tenancy arising on or after 1 April 2018 after expiry of any fixed term because the duty is not only triggered by a renewal but also “an extension”.
From 1 April 2020, all domestic property (including existing tenancies) must have the minimum E rating. Non-domestic properties have until 1 April 2023 (including existing tenancies) to ensure they meet the E rating.
There are several proposed exemptions for the minimum standard for example:
- The property is unable to be brought up to the standard
- The tenant refuses consent
- The landlord is unable to obtain consent from a third party
- Works required to bring the property up to the “E” level would devalue the property by more than 5