What is an EPC?
In Northern Ireland, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate which tells anyone viewing it the energy efficiency of a property. It’s not dissimilar to the sticker on a new domestic appliance or even a new car. Properties exempt from requiring a domestic EPC will generally require a non-dwelling energy performance certificate, the obligation for which comes from the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
What if I don’t have an EPC?
The EPC and the Recommendation Report must be provided to prospective tenants at no charge. When a building is marketed, the EPC rating must be included within all marketing literature (including lease particulars and all advertising). If the EPC is not included within such marketing, estate agents are automatically reported to the NI Trading Standards Service.
It is the building owner’s responsibility as landlord (or their managing agent’s) to provide an EPC. Not doing so could lead to the Local Authority Building Control department seeking enforcement action as well as risking a fine.
Since an EPC is valid for ten years, there is good reason to act as soon as possible as, in April 2018, it will be unlawful for a landlord to let a property with an energy performance rating below E.
- Northern Ireland Commercial EPCs
- Northern Ireland Domestic EPCs
- Local Surveyors
Whats The Benefit Of An EPC?
Aside from the obligations and penalties, there is good evidence to suggest that ‘greener’ properties with accurate EPCs offer considerable benefits to occupiers, reflected in higher rents. It is also becoming popular for major tenants in NI (particularly commercial ones) to consider their ‘green’ credentials as part of their environmental or corporate responsibility. Other benefits include being able to attract a tenant quicker and, based on the fact that an EPC lasts for ten years, you can have your building ready to let faster with an EPC already obtained, as well as ready for any rent review that comes around.
- Landlords
- Property Agents
- Housing Associations
- Business Owners