EPCs for Commercial Buildings

7.0 - Questions and Answers

How long are EPCs valid for?

An EPC for a non-dwelling will be valid for 10 years or until replaced with a newer one.

How much will an EPC cost?

The price of EPCs will be set by the market and market demand. It is likely in practice that the cost will vary according to a number of factors including size, location and age of the building.

Do I need a new EPC every time I let my building?

As long as a valid EPC exists for the building, you can provide this to prospective tenants. An EPC is valid for 10 years and during this period you can provide the same EPC to prospective tenants. This EPC will no longer be valid if a newer EPC has been obtained.

Do I need a new EPC every time I sell a building?

As long as a valid EPC exists for the building, you can provide this to prospective buyers. An EPC is valid for 10 years and during this period you can provide the same EPC to prospective buyers. This EPC will no longer be valid if a newer EPC has been obtained.

Can a prospective tenant or buyer waive their right to receive an EPC?

The relevant person has a duty to provide an EPC to a prospective buyer or tenant and will be liable to a penalty charge if he fails to do so, irrespective of whether the prospective buyer or tenant purports to waive an entitlement to receive the certificate.

Do I need an EPC if I have exchanged contracts to sell or let before 6 April 08, but have not yet completed the transaction?

The last point at which the duty to make available an EPC may be satisfied is when a prospective buyer or tenant enters into a contract to sell or rent the building ie upon exchange of contracts. In this case the contract has been exchanged before 6 April 08 and the duty to make available an EPC will not arise.

Where can I find an energy assessor?

The accreditation schemes will maintain a list of their members and should be able to provide contact details of assessors local to your area. It is likely that estate agents, energy suppliers and other large companies will also be able to provide EPCs. An energy assessor should always be able to provide details of the accreditation scheme (see the list below) of which they are a member and their membership number.

What software can be used to produce EPCs?

Only software approved by Communities and Local Government can be used to produce EPCs.

How can I check if my energy assessor is properly qualified?

The accreditation bodies ensure their members are properly qualified and competent to conduct assessments. If you wish to check the accreditation details of your assessor, you should contact their accreditation body who should be able to verify that they are accredited to practice as an energy assessor. The website www.ndepcregister.com only shows properly qualified and accredited energy assessors. You should check they are suitably qualified for the type of building being assessed.

Do I have to act on the recommendations?

You are under no obligation to act on the recommendations for energy improvements to the building. However, taking action on the recommendations is likely to improve the energy efficiency of your building, reduce your fuel bills, cut its carbon emissions and could make it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants in the future.

What if a building is required urgently for rental and there is no time to commission an inspection?

This is permissible under the regulations if there is an emergency requiring a tenant’s urgent relocation. An EPC should be provided as soon as practicable after renting out the building.

I’m selling a building for demolition – do I need an EPC?

If you can demonstrate the building is suitable for demolition and the resulting site is suitable for redevelopment and you believe on reasonable grounds that the prospective buyer or tenant intends to demolish the building, you do not need to provide an EPC. Generally this can be demonstrated by having the relevant planning permission or evidence that planning permission has been applied for