Why do I need an EPC?
Following on from the European Directive (the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), it has been the law since January 2009 that individuals and corporate bodies with buildings within Leeds, West Yorkshire and indeed the whole of the UK, that they wish to sell or rent must provide an EPC as part of the deal. The obligation occurs “as soon as a building is in the process” of being sold or leased, including verbal requests for building particulars and viewing.
When do I need an EPC?
The fact that the requirement is triggered so early means that an EPC should be available to a prospective buyer or tenant before entering into a contract, when written information about the building is given in response to an enquiry and when the building is viewed.
The EPC must be provided at no charge to the prospective buyer or tenant. Advertisements and Property Particulars must contain what is called the ‘asset rating’ which is the EPC rating for the property and the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating.
What are considered to be Property Particulars includes two or more of a photograph of the building in Leeds or any room inside the building, a floor plan of the building or a description of the size of the rooms in the building.
- Leeds Commercial EPCs
- Leeds Domestic EPCs
- Local Surveyors
What if I don’t have an EPC?
Generally speaking, it is the building’s owner’s responsibility as landlord or seller to provide an EPC (although when construction is taking place, it falls to the builder to provide one to the owner) and not doing so could lead to the Local Authority Building Control department seeking enforcement action against you as well as risking a fine. The regulations also give trading standards officers certain powers. For landlords, by April 2018, it shall be unlawful to let any property with less than an energy performance rating of E.
Of course, as well as the potential penalties involved in not providing an EPC, there is also good evidence to suggest that ‘green’ properties give benefits to occupiers and owners, which is reflected in property values. Research suggests that an EPC can bring higher rents and higher capital values, which will prove useful to a landlord come rent review. For those wishing to sell their property, it has been reported that higher sale prices, of up to 27%, are being achieved. In obtaining an EPC the ability to attract a tenant is speeded up, as is having your building ready to let or sell.
- Landlords
- Property Agents
- Housing Associations
- Business Owners
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Office address
EPC For You Leeds, No.1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 1BE
Telephone: 0113 475 0294
Opening hours: 8am 5:30pm Mon – Friday