The requirements for an EPC Commercial
If you’re leasing, selling, or building commercial properties, you require an EPC for commercial use.
There are some situations that I do not need an EPC below for more details.
If a structure is divided into sections ‘designed or modified for use as separate accommodation’ , the parts could each require an EPC. The leasing and sale of commercial properties can be complicated due to multiple tenants and different uses.
The need for an individual or multiple EPCs could depend on the heating systems you have in place and the plans for the construction.
Check out ‘What should I do if I own a structure that has been divided into distinct sections’ below, or call William Morris for free guidance on the most cost efficient solution for your building’s EPC needs.
What is the time when a commercial EPC is needed?
An EPC must be made available to prospective buyers or tenant at the earliest possible time and not later than the time an inspection is scheduled and/or when written details are made available regarding the building. Even if there is no marketing taking place, the EPC must be given before signing the contract to rent or sell.
What is the length of time the EPC Valid for?
The EPC has validity for 10-years, except when a more recent EPC is created for the property in which case only the latest is valid.
Do you know of any instances in which I don’t require an EPC?
EPCs aren’t required on the construction, sale or rental for:
the places of worship;
temporary structures that have a plan duration of not more than two years
stand-alone (entirely isolated) structures that have an effective floor area that is less than 50m2 and aren’t dwellings;
industrial locations, workshops and non-residential agricultural structures with little energy use;
to rent or sell properties that are due for demolition
What does it mean if I don’t own an Energy Performance Certificate?
The penalty for failure to provide an EPC accessible to any potential purchaser or tenant, when renting or selling non-dwellings is usually fixed, in all instances at 12.5 percent of the value at which the building is rated. property and subject to the minimum fine in the amount of PS500 as well as a maximum penalty of PS5,000. There is the minimum penalty for default of PS750 when the formula is not able to be used. The EPC is mandatory.
What should I do if I have an apartment that has been subdivided into sections?
Renting or selling the whole building requires to have an EPC for the entire structure. If the building contains parts that are designed or modified to be used as separate units with heating systems that are separate, then it is also possible to offer EPCs for the parts individually, and an EPC for communal areas.
The selling of letting of a an entire building, provided that the building is heated by the same heating system as the rest of the building If a building is equipped with an common heating system the buyer or landlord could make the EPC for the whole structure or for the specific area that is designed or modified to be used in a separate manner (in which case communal areas are not considered).
Separate parts of a building and heating systems with separate parts A separate EPC must be created (or provided) for each element of a structure that is being sold separately or lease. If the building is being sold or let as a entire structure, it is acceptable to offer EPCs for the parts, and one EPC for the communal areas that are conditioned or even provide an EPC for the entire building.
Accommodation for residential use: Every residence that is self-contained requires the use of its individual EPC. The residential space that is able to be accessed through commercial facilities (i.e. the house has an establishment in the lower level or a shop that has accommodation where access is via the shop) will be evaluated with the commercial premises being an individual structure.
