The new EPC Regulation changes - how do they effect you?

From the 9^th January 2013, some changes came into force regarding Energy Performance Certificates and how they are to be used by property agents.  

Under the new Guidance released by CLG, all estate agents and letting agents will now have to display the EPC rating within property adverts. This doesn’t however include a requirement to publish the associated graphs or to attach the front page of the EPC’s report to marketing literature, as previously required.

The new EPC regulation changes can be summarised as:

1. The responsibility for procuring an EPC has moved from estate agents in so far as the relevant person now is only vendor or landlord. The duties of estate agents are greatly reduced.
2. The front page of the EPC no longer has to be attached to sales particulars.
3. All property advertisements are to include details of energy performance certificate ratings (the letter rather than the full graph) where available.
4. The need to produce an EPC on listed buildings has been removed.
5. EPCs are not now required on lease renewals/extensions only where properties are being let to a new tenant.
6. "First day marketing" remains unchanged in so far as properties can be listed on the basis that an PEC will be produced within 7 days and the 21 day rule takes effect after that.
7. Extension of current requirements for a display energy certificate in large public buildings, to public buildings above 500m². Unlike buildings larger than 1,000m², display energy certificates for smaller public buildings will be valid for 10 years.
   
8. The EPC is to be displayed in commercial premises larger than 500m² where one has been previously issued.
9. Trading standard officers have a duty to enforce the regulations rather than just a power to enforce them.