Frequently Asked Questions -
Getting an EPC
What do Energy Performance Certificates contain?
EPCs contain:
- information on your home's energy
use and carbon dioxide emissions
- a recommendation report with
suggestions to reduce energy use and carbon
dioxide emissions
Where can I get an EPC?
An EPC is required by law when a building
is constructed, sold or put up for rent. If
you are a landlord or homeowner and need to
provide an EPC, you'll need to contact an accredited
domestic energy assessor. They will carry out
the assessment and produce the certificate.
The accreditation scheme makes sure that domestic
energy assessors have the necessary skills and
are able to carry out the survey to agreed standards.
Domestic energy assessors may be employed by
a company (like an estate agent or energy company)
or be self-employed. Always check that your
domestic energy assessor belongs to an accreditation
scheme - Craig-DEA is Fully insured and accredited
with Elmhurst Energy Systems Ltd and listed
with the Department of Finance and Personnel.
How long is an EPC valid for?
The EPC is valid for 10 years unless major
structural changes are made to the property.
How long will it take to get an EPC?
Getting an EPC for an average-sized home is
likely to take the same time as a house valuation
report. The exact time will vary from property
to property.
When will I be given an EPC?
By law you should receive an EPC in the following
cases:
Buying a home
All sellers of homes need to ensure that they
provide a Home Information Pack, which includes
an EPC, free of charge to potential buyers.
Buying a newly built property
Buyers of newly built properties should receive
an EPC, free of charge.
Renting a property
If you are interested in renting a property,
the landlord must make an EPC available to you
free of charge. However, you don’t need
an EPC when you are thinking of just renting
a room with shared facilities rather than renting
the whole property.
If you are not in one of the above categories
Even if you don’t fall into the above
categories, you can still apply for and receive
an EPC from an energy assessor. This may be
because you want to know how energy efficient
your home is, and make improvements suggested
by the recommendation report.
What happens if I am not given an EPC?
If you are not given an EPC when you are entitled
to it, you should contact the trading standards
department of your local council. Trading standards
officers have the power to issue a fixed penalty
notice of £200 for domestic properties
where an EPC is not provided.
If you are buying a newly built home and an
EPC hasn’t been provided, you should contact
the building control department of your local
council.
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