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What Is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report that details the energy efficiency of a property. It provides information on how much it costs to heat and light the property, as well as gives advice on potential improvements that can be made to reduce energy consumption and save money on bills. An EPC will also provide information on the environmental impact of the property, such as CO2 emissions.
What Does an EPC Tell Me?
An EPC will tell you the current energy efficiency of your property as well as what potential savings can be made if improvements are made. It will also provide advice on how to make those improvements, including things like replacing inefficient lighting with LED bulbs or installing double-glazing windows. This makes it especially helpful for landlords who may need to make changes to meet certain legal requirements.
The report is based on a scale from A-G, where A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient. It will also give you an Estimated Energy Use rating, which tells you how much energy the property uses compared to similar properties in its area. This can be used as a benchmark against other properties in Kingswood so that landlords can see which ones are more likely to attract tenants due to their lower cost of living expenses.
Why Do Homeowners and Landlords in Kingswood Need One?
All homeowners and landlords in Kingswood are required by law to have an EPC if they are renting out their property or selling it. The purpose of this is to give prospective tenants or buyers an indication of how energy efficient their home is so they can make informed decisions about whether it meets their needs. In addition, having an up-to-date EPC can help landlords meet certain legal requirements when renting out a property.
The importance of having an up-to-date EPC cannot be stressed enough; not only can it help landlords meet legal requirements but it can also help them save money on bills by making energy efficiency improvements suggested by the certificate. Furthermore, having an energy-efficient property may make it more attractive to prospective tenants or buyers who are conscious of its environmental impact.
Penalties For Not Having an EPC
In cases where a non-dwelling building is being sold or rented, failure to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to potential buyers or tenants can result in a penalty. This penalty is typically set at 12.5% of the building’s rateable value, with a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000. If the formula cannot be applied, a default penalty of £750 will be issued.
Additionally, failing to provide a copy of the EPC to an enforcement authority officer within seven days can result in a £200 penalty. If a penalty charge notice is issued, a review can be requested. If the outcome of the review is unsatisfactory, an appeal can be made to the county court within 28 days of receiving the notice.
All parties with an interest in or occupation of the building have a duty to cooperate with the seller or prospective landlord to ensure compliance with the EPC regulations. This includes allowing access to any energy assessor appointed by the seller or landlord.