A Statutory Law came into effect on 6th April 2012 Requiring all commercial properties placed on the market for sale or rental to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Here are our quick questions & answers
What is an EPC?
It is a document providing information of the energy efficiency and the Carbon Emissions of a building and is the similar to the domestic EPC as part of the home information pack introduced in 2004 provided when buying a home.
The EPC is a graded visual system to easily display the current Energy Performance and the potential Energy Performance of a property.
It is designed to help reduce the carbon footprint of the UK.
Who prepares an EPC?
EPC’s are generated by an accredited Energy Assessor, Harvey Silver Hodgkinson are happy to recommend a company who can help you and one who is experienced in commercial premises, however you can use whoever you wish.
How long is an EPC valid?
An EPC is valid for 10 years for a property, unless a more recent EPC has been produced for the property however, if there are any alterations to the property a new EPC will be required.
How much does an EPC cost?
The price for an EPC to be produced varies, dependant on size and how many floors but as a rough guide between £100-£500
Are there any circumstances when one is not required?
EPC’s are only not required for:
Places of worship
Temporary buildings with a planned use of time of 2 years
Detached buildings which are not dwellings with total ground floor area of less than 50m2
On sale or rent properties due to be demolished
Industrial sites or workshops or agricultural buildings with low energy demand
What happens if I do not have an EPC?
The penalty for failing to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant when selling or letting non-dwellings is fixed, in most cases, at 12.5% of the rateable value of the building, subject to a minimum penalty of £500 and a maximum of £5,000. There is a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied. The EPC will still be required.
If you have any other queries with regard to EPC’s please do contact 0161 233 9090