EPC FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the EPCs and other services that we provide.
There is more information regarding EPC legal requirements on this site, which provides a brief overview of when each EPC report type is required.
Domestic EPC FAQs
Q: I have an existing EPC for my property- is it still valid?
A: EPCs are now valid for 10 years from their certificate date.
Q: Can I advertise a property before the EPC has been produced?
A: There may be occasions when it is possible to offer a dwelling for rent before the EPC is available. However this should not be the norm. The landlord will be expected to have made contact with a DEA and commissioned the EPC with a view to receiving it within two weeks of the date it was commissioned.
Q: Do HMOs need EPCs?
A: There has been some confusion about whether HMO landlords need to provide EPCs. If you rent a HMO to a number of tenants who each have their own bedroom, but share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities an EPC is not required, unless you sell the house or let it as one whole dwelling.
Letting houses to a group of sharers with just one contract, as many HMO landlords do, is different. In this case you will need to provide an EPC for the whole property when you let to new tenants after 1st October 2008. EPCs are required for self-contained flats (with their own kitchen and bathroom facilities).
Q: How long does an EPC assessment process take?
A: Usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour for a typical 3-bed house. Complex properties with one or more extensions can take longer.
Q: What if the tenant wants to buy the property they already occupy? Can I use the existing EPC?
A: If the tenant wants to purchase the dwelling they rent, the same EPC can be used. An EPC is required but this can be up to 10 years old.
Q: Will my energy bills be taken into account?
A: Theestimated energy bill calculations on the EPC are based on standardised living conditions (not on the current owner's lifestyle). This allows benchmark comparisons between properties of a similar type.
Q. Is it possible to update an EPC without the need to commission a new survey? For example, if a replacement boiler has been fitted.
A: A DEA who issues the EPC would need to be satisfied that it accurately reflects the energy performance of the property. The DEA may be satisfied through means other than a full survey.
Q: I want to check the energy efficiency rating of my house but I am not looking to sell yet?
A: It is possible to arrange an EPC at any time and if you are not moving you will benefit from finding out how good yourhome isin terms ofgenerating and retaining the heat energy used and what improvements could be made to reduceyourenergy bills.
Q: Will I have to issue an EPC if I have a lodger in my house?
A: A letting of a room within your larger household does not constitute a rental of a building or part of a building therefore an EPC is not required.
Q: How can I check if an Energy Assessor isaccredited?
A: Visit www.hcrregister.com and type in either the accreditation number or the name details. All accredited DEAs are have undergone CRB checks.
Q: Are you fully insured?
A: Yes. All accredited energy assessors are required to carry Public Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.
