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We Are EPC Assessors covering the Ashford area

If you’re renting, selling, or applying for a re-mortgage, you’ll need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) carried out by an approved Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).

The typical price of an EPC in Ashford is £59.

WHY USE US AS YOUR EPC PROVIDER?

  • No complicated price variations of property types and rooms.
  • No misleading “from” prices.
  • No waiting for an Assessor to call you back.
  • No filling in long complicated forms before you get a quote.

What is An EPC?

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EPC is short for Energy Performance Certificate. It’s a three to five page document which rates the home from an A the highest to G the worst. It will also provide advice on energy improvements which might be made on the home that might help to reduce your energy bills.

Why You Need One

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{There are various reasons that you may be asked to provide an EPC. The most common of these are if you are selling a property or if you are renting a property. It is a legal requirement that an EPC is given to the other party.}.

• For a remortgage
• Making a claim for funding under the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (RHI)
• Getting grant funding through the Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO)

All of the above illustrations refer to existing residential properties. If you have been asked by building control to provide an EPC in conjunction with recent building work, they will be looking for what’s called a SAP EPC. This sort of EPC is called a SAP EPC and is needed by building control to show compliance with building regulations for any recent construction work you might have undertaken. Should you need a SAP EPC, then CLICK HERE. If you’re not certain, simply phone us for further advice.

How To Get One Done

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An EPC is carried out by a certified and accredited domestic energy assessor. The Assessor must visit the property to obtain the necessary information.

The assessor will take dimensions of the property plus collect information about the current lighting, home heating, glazing and existing insulation. A normal size home takes between 20 and 30 minutesto do..

The details are then input approved government software which produces the EPC. The EPC will be lodged on the national EPC register and you should receive it by email typically in a couple of days. In the event you need it quickly, for a small additional cost, we are able to arrange for you to get it the same day.

That’s it, its all completedYour EPC is then valid for ten years

Booking your EPC is easy:

  1. Click the BOOK ONLINE button below
  2. Select an available date and time slot
  3. Give us your name and the address requiring the EPC
  4. Pay securely online or pay on the day
  5. If you prefer you can always call us to book. Call free on 0800 046 7345

That’s it, your EPC is booked. You will receive an email confirmation and a text reminder a day before the visit. Your EPC will be emailed to you in 2 or 3 days. If you order an Express EPC, you will receive it the same day of the visit.

You can cancel with a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of the visit.

How To Boost Your EPC Rating

Here we will provide you with some simple guidelines to ensure that your EPC reflects your home in the best light.

Image of an EPC energy rating

These things will enhance your EPC rating

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Typically your Assessor can get most of the information they need simply by going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we should prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no evidence is obtained. When the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was constructed. This may have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and will likely help the rating of your EPC Certificate.


• Any type of wall insulation Cavity/Internal/External– Any guarantees, or invoice from the contractor

• Solar PV or Solar Thermal – An MCS certificate from installer.

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from installer showing thickness fitted.

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

• Double glazing improvements to the majority of the property – Certificate from Fensa, or dated receipt from the contractors.

These make the biggest difference

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The three items that have the main impact on the energy rating are:

• The main source of fuel for heating the property
• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.

Main Source of Fuel
UK homes are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a property or home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same property or home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £596 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher expenses equals lower ratings.

Levels Of Insulation
Good levels of insulation ensures that the demand on the heating system is kept down, and it also results in a more comfortable home with lower running costs.

The Heating System
An efficient heating system with good controls such as room thermostat, thermostatic valves and programmer helps to keep energy bills down. This all contributes to a better rating on the EPC.

These make less difference

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Double glazing
Although improvements to the double glazing will make a difference, the most significant difference is actually really achieved if you are upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is generally experienced by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this kind of comfort gain is just not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate as they are an affordable improvement that contributes to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.

Ashford Landlord EPC Services

The regulations for landlords are forever increasing. If you are a property owner, make sure that you don’t fall foul of the laws, as civil penalties of up to £5,000 can be issued.

Have a look at our guidelines for quick advice. We also offer discounts for a number of properties.

Letting agent handing over key

EPCs And Rental Properties

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As From April 2020, all existing rental properties need to have a valid EPC. Prior to that date an Certificate was only required on new rentals. Penalties can be issued by the local authority for infringement of this.

What Is The Minimum Rating For A Rental Property

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The Minimum Energy Efficiency Scheme (MEES) puts an onus on landlords to supply rented homes that meet a minimum standard of energy efficiency. All rented properties must be at least an energy rating of an E. If it is an F or a G rating, then the landlord will need to take steps to reach the minimum.

This is when the landlord would need to work closely with the Energy Assessor to work out cost-effective solutions to reach the standards.

If the landlord has expended up to £3500 and the property still doesn’t achieve an E, then the landlord can apply for an exemption. We’re happy to offer guidance all the way.

How To Find If You Have A Valid EPC

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The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government have for the last 10 years maintained a register of all Energy Performance Certificates. This register is available at www.epcregister.com. You can check here to see if your properties have a valid Certificate and see that they meet at least the required E rating.

A recent article in the Telegraph taken from information on the register discovered that around 250,000 landlords are yet to conform to the new regulations. The article is available here. Ensure you are not one of those. As time goes by, we expect a lot more Councils to get up to speed with enforcements.

The policies, having said that, are not meant to be onerous. The first step to take is to get an EPC lodged on the register and should it be below an E, to show that you are taking or have taken actions to reach an E. Even if it doesn’t reach an E, there are specific exemptions that you could then be able to apply for. We can give you expect recommendations on every aspect of MEES.

SAP Calculations

If you require a SAP EPC for building control please CLICK HERE.

Here we will answer your most common questions asked about the EPC.
What Properties Do Not Need To Have An EPC?
  • Places of worship.
  • Residential buildings that are used for less than 4 months of the year.
  • Industrial sites and non-residential agricultural buildings that use little energy.
  • Temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years.
  • Stand-alone buildings (of less than 50 m2 )
  • Listed buildings.
  • Can You Let A Property Without An EPC?
    The answer is No. From April 2020 all rental homes must have a valid EPC registered on the EPC register. To legally rent a property the energy rating of the EPC needs to be at least an “E”, or the property must have a valid exemption.

    The EPC rates a property from A 100 (the best) to G 0 ( the least efficient). The rating of an average UK property is a D60 Rental properties need to be at least an E rating. If it is not an E then the property owner will have to carry out some of the recommendations on the EPC to improve the rating. If an E rating cannot be achieved, then an exemption can be applied for by visiting the Government website and applying for an exemption on the PRS register.

    What Is The Minimum EPC Rating To Let A Property?
    The minimum EPC rating for rental is an ‘E’. The EPC rates the property from A, the highest to G, the worst. Properties rated F or G, from April 2020, cannot legally be let. Energy-efficient improvements will need to be made, or a valid exemption applied for.
    What Is The Fine For Not Having An EPC?
    A set penalty charge of £200 may be issued for failure to comply in the following circumstances: on sale or rent the vendor or landlord failed to make a valid domestic EPC available free of charge to the potential buyer or tenant at the earliest opportunity.
    Can You Fail An EPC?
    Simply no. The EPC is not a pass or fail. However, different 3rd parties may require the EPC have a certain rating before they decide to continue. One example might be a financial institution loaning money against a rental property, might require that the EPC is at least an “E”.
    What Does EPC E Mean?
    The EPC will rate your property either A,B,C,D,E,F, or G. An E rating is the legal minimum a property can be for you to rent out. It is also becoming the baseline requested by financial institutions when loaning money against a home.

    It’s not to say you won’t be able to borrow the funds when it is below an E, although there will probably be additional clauses in the agreement.

    What Happens If An EPC Runs Out During A Tenancy?
    It will simply need to be renewed. Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, all rental properties need to have a valid EPC of at least an E rating or higher. All EPCs are lodged on a national register at epcregister.com. The EPC will be valid for a further 10 years.
    Is An EPC A Legal Requirement?
    Yes, an EPC is a legal requirement for all rental properties and homes which are for sale as well as all newly built properties. By law, the incoming occupant need to be given an EPC.
    Are All Listed Buildings Exempt From An EPC?
    All listed buildings are exempt from needing an EPC. A listed building is one as being described in the database of Historic England as a listed building. A list is available on the historic england website.
    Can You Evict A Tenant Without An EPC?
    If the tenancy commenced or was renewed after 1 October 2015, a landlord cannot evict with a section 21 notice (no fault eviction) if they have not given the tenant an Energy Performance Certficate. If the EPC is subsequently obtained, a time period of 8 weeks has to pass before applying for a section 21 notice.

    As well as the EPC the tenant would have had to be also provided with a gas safety certificate and also a copy of the government guide “How to rent”. The “How to Rent” guide can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent

    Landlords are always advised to get proper legal advice so that all documents is presented to the courts correctly.

    Can A Home Be Marketed Without Having An EPC?
    Yes a property can be marketed without having an EPC but only subject to one having actually been requested to be done within seven days. If after making all realistic attempts one cannot be acquired within that period, then a further 21 days is permitted to acquire one.
    It Is A Legal Requirement For Renting, To Have An EPC?
    Since April 2020, all dwellings for rental will need to have a valid EPC on the EPC register. The EPC rates the energy efficiency of a home from A-G. For rental, the EPC needs to be a minimum rating of an E, unless a valid exemption has been applied for.
    How Much Does An Energy Performance Certficate Cost
    An EPC typically costs between £50 – £120. This depends upon size of property and location. Typically it is cheaper if going directly to an accredited Assessor instead of via a third party for instance an Estate Agent or a marketing company.
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