How Long Is An Energy Performance Certificate Valid For?
An energy performance certificate, most commonly refered to as an EPC, is valid for a period of 10 years. This applies to both domestic and comercial properties.
All EPCs are kept on a central government register at https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. The register will show if there is a valid epc along with the property’s energy rating.
Legal requirements regarding an epc
If your epc certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one for either of the following reasons:
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For all rental properties
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If the property is being sold, or re-mortgaged
Other reasons where an EPC may be required
Although not a legal requirement, EPCs can sometimes be requested by a third party. Some of the most common ones are for:
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Applying for a green mortgage
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Funding for ECO grants or government grant schemes
EPC Exemptions
Certain properties are exempt from needing an epc, these are:
- Places of worship
- Temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years
- Stand-alone buildings (less than 50 square metres of floor-space)
- Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy
- Holiday accommodation rented out for less than four months per year
- Residential buildings intended to be used less than four months a year
- Unsafe properties, a property that poses a serious health and safety risk to occupants or visitors
- Properties to be demolished, properties that are due to be demolished where the marketing of the property, all the relevant documents and planning permission exists
- listed or officially protected buildings and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it