How To Prepare For An EPC-An EPC Checklist

It is likely that they will want to know the following

• When was the property built? When were any extensions and conversions made?
• If you converted the loft into a room, when was the work carried out?
• Has the property been inspected for, or does it have any cavity wall insulation?
• Have you very recently added any double glazed windows or doors?
• Does the property have any under-floor insulation? Can this be seen, or do you have the receipts for this work?
• Are you on a single or double electricity meter?
• Have you installed any heat recovery technology?

This will depend on what…if any…work has been done on the property e.g.

• Do you have any FENSA Certificates
• Building Regs for any extension/conversions or large conservatory
• Cavity Wall Insulation Guarantee

An Energy Performance Certificate – or EPC

– is a four-page document which sets out the energy efficiency of a property on a traffic light system of A to G – A being the most efficient.

Is An EPC Really That Important?

Yes. Since August 2007, it has been compulsory to have an EPC whether you are selling a property or letting it out. Indeed, as of April 2018, the minimum requirements to rent out a property to a new tenant is an EPC rating of E or above, and there are fines for not having this necessary documentation in place….in other words you are breaking the law and can carry fines up to £5000 if you have ignored the new requirements.

In 2030 the legislation will change and all rented properties will need to attain a minimum of a C rating to be rented out. So, it’s clear that you need to get an EPC, if you call us now, we can arrange a survey quickly and issue the certificate within 24hrs. 

The EPC relates to the property, not the person who commissioned it and – once completed – it is valid for 10 years. EPCs can be reused multiple times during this period. 

You will need to have booked an EPC within seven days of a property being marketed for sale or for rent and provide the EPC within 28 days.

EPCs became a legal requirement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2007, and in Scotland in 2009.

Sellers and landlords who do not have an EPC can be fined up to £5,000.

EPCs must be carried out by an accredited domestic energy assessor. We are ELMHURST ENERGY Certified

While you can book an EPC online, it requires a physical survey of each room in your home, including the loft, by an accredited domestic energy assessor. 

An EPC is a survey which ranks your property on a scale of A to G – there is no pass or fail.

However, if you are renting out your home, the law requires the EPC to show a minimum rating of E for all new tenancies and – as from 2030 – a C rating will be required. This means you will need to request access to the property for the EPC to be carried out.

There are a handful of scenarios under which you would not require an EPC. For example, if your property is listed (unless rented), protected, or in conservation area, some energy-efficient improvements could unacceptably alter the appearance of the property.

If you’re in doubt, give us a call for the latest regulation information on 07792 839584/07882 180883

A rented room within a house will not require an EPC either, although a self-contained flat within a larger house that has its own front door and facilities, will.

It’s easy to find out if a property already has an EPC – just type your address in to the government register. If it does have a valid EPC, you can download it as a PDF and save it for free.

If you don’t understand something on your EPC, or it doesn’t seem right, first contact the energy assessor who carried out the report. Their details should be listed on the final page of the document.

If they can’t resolve your issue, you can contact their accreditation scheme – details of which will also be listed on your EPC.

If you’re happier going down the tried-and-tested, old-fashioned route by purchasing an EPC through an estate agent, expect to pay anywhere up to £150. 

If you want to get the ball rolling quickly and save money, call your local assessors on 07792 839584 or 07881 180883

If you’ve made changes resulting in substantial improvements to a property’s energy consumption – i.e. upgraded its insulation, windows, and heating system – you may wish to get a new EPC to reflect this. It will help your sale.

You already have. See Below