ADVICE ON EPC REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES Updated - 1 July 2014 Production of EPCs All buildings (Properties) being marketed for sale or rent must have an EPC (The buildings that are exempt are noted below). Where an EPC has not been produced for a property an agent can market the property for up to 28 days without one, providing 1. The agent has commissioned an EPC themselves, or they have been provided with evidence from the client that an EPC has been commissioned (The name & address of the assessor will probably suffice for this): & 2. The agent has taken reasonable steps to obtain the EPC in the first 7 days. (A chasing email or phone call to the assessor will probably suffice for this) Advertising the EPC rating of a property All sales or lettings advertisements for properties must show the A-G energy rating (EPC=C). If the EPC has not been produced when the advert is placed the advert should state this, e.g. awaiting EPC / EPC to follow. It is acceptable to include the rating anywhere in the advert & print it in any font or size providing it is readable & it is clear which property it applies to. What is an Advertisement? This is basically any media where a property is advertised for sale or rent, including Property particulars (Regardless of what is included in the particulars) Lists of properties you have available Displays in the windows of branch offices Displays within branches All adverts in newspapers & magazines Property details on websites Property details on property portals © 2014 BTP Consultants Limited Lockside House, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch, Shropshire. SY13 4QH Tel: 01948 666 252 email: David@compliance-matters.co.uk Availability Obligation under the Regulations The EPC must be available to anyone that requests details of a property or anyone who views a property. They do not actually need to be given a copy unless a request is made, but agents should have a hard copy to hand out, or be able to send it attached to an email if the person agrees to this. Provision Obligation under EPB Regulations & Consumer Protection Regulations A copy of the EPC must be provided to 1. Anyone requesting a copy. 2. An applicant, before they make a tenancy application. 3. The actual buyer/tenant, prior to the exchange of contracts or signing a tenancy agreement. Situations where an EPC is not required EPCs are not required on sale or rent for buildings due to be demolished, provided the seller or landlord can demonstrate that: • • • • • • • The building is to be sold/rented out with vacant possession & it is suitable for demolition & the resulting site is suitable for redevelopment. In addition, all relevant planning permissions, listed building consents & conservation area consents exist in relation to the demolition. Listed Buildings Buildings used as places of worship & for religious activities Temporary buildings with a planned time of use of two years or less Residential buildings which are intended to be used less than four months of the year Stand alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m² Caravans & Boats do not require EPCs This information has been put together as a practical aid to agents based on the Regulations & the DCLG Guidance, but it is not definitive. Further advice & assistance regarding this or any other compliance matter is available. Online Compliance Training In-house Training Terms of Business Review Compliance Health Checks Branch Audits Production of Compliance Manuals Complaint Handling © 2014 BTP Consultants Limited Lockside House, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch, Shropshire. SY13 4QH Tel: 01948 666 252 email: David@compliance-matters.co.uk