As of 2030 homeowners risk £5,000 fine for failing to provide a valid EPC when selling or renting
We explain all you need to know to avoid facing this £5,000 penalty(Image credit: Getty Images)
As of 2030, homeowners in the UK will face significant penalties if they fail to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when selling or renting their properties.
Those without an EPC or with an outdated one could be fined up to £5,000.
But what kind of EPC do you need and how do you go about getting one? We answer all you need to know so you avoid facing unnecessary fines.
What penalties could you face for not having an EPC?
Homeowners are legally obligated to provide an EPC when selling or renting their home. If they fail to do so, they could face significant fines.
Trading standards officers enforce EPC compliance and if a homeowner does not provide an EPC they may be fined up to 12.5% of the home’s rateable value, with a minimum penalty of £500 and a maximum penalty of £5,000.
Additionally, if a local authority requests a copy of the EPC, homeowners must provide it within seven days or risk a further fine of £200. If the penalty is contested, homeowners can request a review or appeal the decision in court.
What type of EPC do you need?
The type of EPC you need can vary(Image credit: Tattywelshie/Getty Images)
The EPC required for a home depends on its characteristics, such as the type of heating system installed.
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If a home has fixed services like heating or air conditioning, the EPC should reflect the energy efficiency of those systems. Homes without such fixed services may not require an EPC unless the services are planned for installation.
Newer homes built after 2012 automatically have an EPC, but older homes may not, especially if they’ve never been rented or sold since the certificate’s introduction.
Homeowners of older homes should ensure they obtain an energy rating before selling or renting their property to avoid penalties.
An EPC is a legal requirement for all buildings being sold or rented, and it's crucial to check that it’s up to date. If you haven't yet acquired an EPC for your property, or if it’s outdated, it’s essential to arrange for an energy assessment as soon as possible to avoid fines.
Improving your property's energy efficiency before the assessment can help boost your EPC rating. Simple upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs, improving insulation, or replacing old boilers, can make a noticeable difference in your property's energy score.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
