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 
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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:
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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.
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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