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EPCs – commercial premises |
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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will soon be required for all
commercial buildings. From 6 April 2008, when a newly constructed or
existing building (that is not a dwelling) with a floor area over 500 sq m
is to be sold or rented out, the seller or L must provide any prospective
buyer or T with a valid EPC. This must be provided free to the T or buyer.
From 1 October 2008, that obligation will extend to all non-dwellings
(and not just those over 500 sq m).
EPCs should not be confused with DECs (display energy certificates).
DECs will apply to public buildings of more than 1000 sq m as from 6
April 2008; these certificates are produced on a different basis but still
show energy usage, and will be required for all public authority buildings
and institutions providing public services, such as schools, colleges,
hospitals, or other publicly owned buildings accessed by the public.
The key point to appreciate is that EPCs are not just part of the HIP
(residential) regime. Within one year they will be mandatory for all nondwellings
sold or rented. See introductory article in [2007] 195 Property
Law Journal 6. © Practical Lawyer
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October 2007 |
