Changes to EPC rules outlined by solicitor

The upcoming changes to the rules surrounding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will cover the types of buildings that need an EPC and when it must be commissioned.

That’s according to Trethowans.com, the website of the solicitor with the same name. It broke the changes down into easy-to-understand sections, helping landlords and tenants alike to realise how it will affect them.

After April 6th, when the changes come into force, those marketing a property will have 7 days in which to make “reasonable efforts” to commission an EPC. This represents a decrease of 21 days from the current rules. Furthermore, the commissioning of EPCs prior to the property hitting the market will be required for non-residential projects too – not just residential.

Other changes that are more relevant to letting agents include the fact that a copy of the EPC must be issued to tenants at the “earlier opportunity” possible. Trethowans.com also revealed: “Currently, for only residential sales, there is a duty to attach the EPC to Estate Agent written particulars, or at least include the asset rating on those particulars.

“From 6 April, the actual front page of the EPC will need to be attached to the particulars, and this duty will be extended to apply to all commercial and residential properties for sale or rent.”

It is hoped that the changes will make compliance with energy rules easier and also improve the ease with which non-compliance can be identified, Energyassessormagazine.com confirmed.