From April 2018, the Government is introducing a new legal standard for minimum energy efficiency which will apply to rented commercial buildings. These changes will make it unlawful to rent or lease a commercial property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below an E.
From 1st April 2023, this will expand to include all privately rented property.
Who needs an EPC?
Generally Landlords of domestic & non-domestic private rented properties. Listed Buildings are required to produce EPC’s. Listed properties, and buildings within a conservation area, will not necessarily be exempt from the requirement to have a valid EPC and it will be up to the owner of a listed building to understand whether or not their property is required to have an EPC. Where a listed privately rented non-domestic property, or a property within a conservation area, is required to have an EPC, that property will be within scope of the minimum energy efficiency standards.
Who doesn’t need an EPC?
Generally where the Landlord can demonstrate the building is:
- Officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historic merit where compliance with certain minimum energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.
- A building used as places of worship and for religious activities.
- A temporary building with a planned time of use of two years or less.
- Industrial sites, workshops, non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand not conditioned for occupants.
- Stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m².
Who provides an EPC and/or recommendations to meet minimum legislation?
A qualified Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA) accredited with an approved institute, of which QuinnRoss are. Get in contact if required or you have any questions.
Chris Armstrong, carmstrong@quinnross.com, 01795 841 035
