The Communities and Local Government department (CLG) are determined to press ahead with changes to EPC’s (Energy Performance Certificate), due to take effect on April 6th, despite estate agents saying they have not been given enough time – or guidance – to implement the changes. There are worries that not enough Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA’s) have had the extra training required to issue the new look EPC’s.
The new regulations were due to be implemented last July and then were delayed until October and further delayed until April this year. CLG have confirmed that the regulations have been made and laid but as yet the redesigned EPC has not been officially approved.
David Walton, Conveyancing Partner, explains “The main changes to the old style EPC’s mean that if you are selling or buying a property you will not be able to market your property without one. The first page of the EPC has to be attached to the written particulars of the property, and estate agents will have seven days (formerly 28 days) from the start of marketing the property (for sale or rent) to use reasonable efforts to obtain an EPC and a further twenty one days if they were unable to procure one in this time. Trading Standards have been given new powers to intervene after 28 days and demand to see the EPC or evidence that the EPC was ordered before marketing began. Agents will potentially face a fine of up to £200 per failed inspection.”
Estate agents will be legally responsible for the EPC and not the vendor, but it is understood that for letting agents the landlord will be responsible for the EPC.
A Property and Energy Professionals Association spokesperson has said that the changes are being introduced ‘to allow people to make a more informed decision about their future property while helping to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings.’
For a free initial meeting please call 01202 499255 and David or a member of his team will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.
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