Obtaining an EPC certificate

What does an EPC contain?

An EPC certificate contains:

• • Average energy consumption and estimated cost.

• • Recommendations on how to cut energy consumption and save money.

• • An Energy Performance Certificate has a validity of 10 years, and the property gets an energy rating from A to G.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will need the energy performance certificate for any building that is to be rented, built or sold. It is needed before property on the market.

You must get the EPC and send to prospective buyers or tenants upon request. In fact, you will need to do it before you put the property on the market. Keep in mind that any advice given ten years ago may need to be updated now.

Do all buildings require an EPC certificate?

Yes. However, some structures do not require an EPC, such as:

• • Worship sites.

• • Buildings that will be occupied for less than two years.

• • Some of the buildings that will be demolished.

• • Holiday homes and residential buildings are only used for 4 months out of the year.

• • Industrial and workshop buildings that are self-contained and have a total useful floor area of less than 50 square metres.

• • Residential buildings that will be used for less than 4 months per year

• • Non-residential listed buildings.

• Buildings for agriculture that do not consume a lot of energy – if the work would change the building’s character, you should seek your local authority advice.

Why do you need an EPC certificate?

Having an EPC Certificate is not only a legal requirement in the UK, but it also helps property owners understand how energy efficient their home or building is. If your property has a poor energy rating, you could face higher energy bills. For landlords, a low EPC rating could prevent you from renting out your property, as there are minimum standards to meet.
In addition, buyers and tenants often look for properties with a better energy rating, as these homes are more cost-effective to run. Therefore, having an up-to-date EPC Certificate can help you attract potential buyers or renters.

What are the minimum energy efficiency standards?

The MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) went into effect on 1 April 2018. With the MEES in place, the lowest rating that a privately rented property can get is a “E”; anything rated “F” or “G” cannot be rented out.

The landlord will be responsible for these improvements, up to a maximum of £3,500, in order to raise the property’s rating to “E.” To be eligible for an exemption, they must meet or exceed the £3,500 investment threshold before doing anything else.

Additionally, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can directly affect your ability to buy a property with a mortgage. Generally, lenders may require an EPC rating of at least “E’ or higher before granting a mortgage. This is because lenders want to be sure that the property is energy efficient and cost effective to maintain. If the EPC rating is too low, lenders may be concerned about the property’s long-term costs. Additionally, some lenders may offer discounts on mortgage rates for properties with higher EPC ratings, as this helps them meet their sustainability goals.

How to get an EPC certificate near me

Obtaining an EPC certificate near you in the UK is a straightforward process. You will need to hire an accredited energy assessor, who will visit your property to carry out an assessment. During the inspection, the assessor will evaluate various elements of the property, such as:

• Insulation quality
• Boiler and heating systems
• Windows and glazing
• Lighting efficiency

After the assessment, you’ll receive the EPC Certificate within a few days. It’s important to hire a qualified professional to ensure the accuracy and validity of the certificate.

How much does an EPC certificate Cost?

The cost of an EPC certificate in the UK typically ranges from £60 to £120, depending on the size and location of the property. Larger properties may cost more due to the complexity of the inspection, but it’s a one-off investment that lasts for 10 years.

How to improve your EPC rating

If your EPC Certificate shows a poor energy efficiency rating, don’t worry. There are several ways to improve your score, including:

• Installing better insulation
• Upgrading your boiler to a more efficient model
• Adding double or triple glazing to your windows
• Using energy-efficient lighting and appliances
• Installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources

Not only will these upgrades improve your EPC rating, but they can also help reduce your energy bills and make your property more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

How long does an EPC certificate last?

An EPC Certificate is valid for 10 years, but if you’ve made significant improvements to your property, such as upgrading the heating system or adding insulation, you may want to consider getting a new EPC Certificate to reflect those changes.

Legal requirements for landlords and homeowners

For landlords in the UK, it is mandatory to have a valid EPC certificate with a minimum rating of E or above before renting out a property. Failing to meet these standards could result in hefty fines.

Homeowners looking to sell their property also need to provide a valid EPC certificate to potential buyers. Without it, you may face delays in the sale process and potential penalties.

Why choose us for your EPC certificate?

We offer fast, reliable, and affordable EPC certificates across the UK. Our team of accredited energy assessors are experts in the field and will provide a comprehensive energy assessment of your property.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, we can help you get your EPC certificate quickly and easily.

• Competitive prices starting from just £90
• Nationwide coverage
• Accredited and qualified assessors
• Fast turnaround time
• Expert advice on how to improve your energy efficiency rating

Ready to get your EPC certificate? Contact us for your EPC certificate today

Contact London Landlord Certifications (LLC) today to schedule an assessment with one of our qualified energy assessors. We’re here to help you meet legal requirements and improve the energy efficiency of your property.