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Commercial EPC's - Warning by Trading Standards

Since April 2008 all properties require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before going onto the market for either sale or rent. The energy performance certificate gives potential buyers and tenants the opportunity to calculate their energy and environmental costs prior to signing a contract, so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their decision to buy or occupy that building. The legislation applies to both residential and commercial landlords.

However, Trading Standards offices suspect that some landlords have been flouting the law by letting or selling buildings without the required EPC. We are aware that following a desk top survey Cornwall Trading Standards officers have compiled a list of commercial properties without a commercial EPC that are being marketed within the County through the local press or agents web sites. I am sure others will soon follow suit.

Landlords who do not comply with the rules face a fine of up to £5,000 based on the rateable value of the property, however we are advised that Trading Standards officers are more likely to contact landlords and sellers direct who are marketing properties without an EPC with a 28 day warning in the first instance, but only for a limited period of time.

As this is a legal requirement of any sale or letting Aaron Fox feel that it is now important that all the properties we are marketing have an EPC prepared, and we intend to provide access for purchasers or tenants to these documents along with the property particulars via our web site in the very near future.

As the number of EPC’s that have been completed has increased, we have found that the unit cost has fallen dramatically, with many being completed by our selected providers for between £275 and £475 plus VAT. For more information on the above, or to discuss the marketing of your property and the provision of the necessary EPC please contact either Tony Noon or Adam Parsons (01392 204303) who will be delighted to assist.

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