Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's) are a legal requirement whenever a property is advertised for sale or rent.
They must be carried out by a qualified Energy Assessor who is a member of an appropriate Accreditation Scheme.
The EPC is an inspection of a property with a view to Energy Efficiency and takes into account the construction of the property, levels of insulation, the type of hot water, heating and controls that are installed, the window construction and age, the type of lighting installed, etc etc.
The property is then given an Energy Rating and the report includes recommendations for improvements that could be carried out to save energy in the future.
From 1st April 2018 (for new tenancies), or from 1st April 2020 (for existing tenancies) a new requirement has been introduced by Government for any rented property (including residential) to achieve a minimum of an EPC E rating.
Limited exemptions from this restriction are applicable for some properties legally excluded from EPC requirements, however, failure to comply with the regulations could incur a fine of up to £5000, as well as enforcement action.