When a Residential Building goes through a significant update for example a change to the fabric of the building, significant extension additions to the property and/or changes to the provision of fixed services then a new Residential EPC will be required. EPCs are also a useful tool for homeowners to improve the efficiency, running cost and thus the overall comfort of their home.

The energy survey is performed by a qualified energy assessor who visits the property and examines key items within the premises such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows for double glazing. Once this information is obtained it is then placed into a software programme which carries out and calculates the level of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions.

If you do not have a valid Residential EPC it can be an inconvenience for both owners and property agents. A shared responsibility exists between agent and residential landlord to make sure that the property is legal to market which includes having a valid Residential EPC within 7 days of marketing. Should one not be available, a reduction in time from the original 28-day grace period that was in place before April 2012 legislation came into effect with more stringent criteria regarding EPC law.

If a residential building is exempt from the requirement to have Residential EPC when it is rented out (or sold) then this minimum E rating standards does not apply. For listed buildings and those in conservation areas, this exemption status is crucial, as many of these properties will be incapable of reaching the requirement.

Landlords are required to achieve a minimum of an E grade. Unless there is an accepted exemption, landlords face a penalty of up to £4,000 for failure to meet the minimum efficiency requirement.

A fixed penalty charge of £200 may be issued for failure to comply in the following circumstances:

• On sale or rent the seller or landlord failed to make a valid EPC available free of charge to the prospective buyer or tenant at the earliest opportunity or to the person who ultimately becomes the buyer or tenant
• On marketing the seller or landlord did not commission an EPC before the building was put on the market or the person acting on their behalf (i.e. estate or letting agent) did not ensure that an EPC was commissioned for the building
• The seller or landlord or a person acting on their behalf did not secure an EPC using all reasonable efforts within seven days of the building being put on the market. An EPC must be obtained 21 days after the initial seven-day period
• The seller or landlord or a person acting on their behalf did not include the energy performance indicator in any advertisement of the sale or rental in commercial media.

When the Residential EPC is lodged, a RRN number will be created, which is located on the top right hand side of the certificate. The certificate can be searched for independently by any prospective buyer or occupier on the non-domestic registry website (https://www.epcregister.com/) as long as they have this RRN number.

If you are unsure whether your Commercial Property requires a Residential EPC, our energy assessors can review your case providing advice.