Homeowners across England will have until the end of March 2022 to have energy efficiency upgrades to their homes completed through the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) requirements when selling or letting a property
A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when a property is sold, let or constructed and must be completed by an accredited assessor unless an exemption can be applied.
Where a building is to be let or sold, the EPB Regulations require that all reasonable efforts must be made to obtain a valid EPC for the building before the end of a period of 7 days starting with the day on which the building was first put on the market.
If all reasonable efforts have been made to obtain a valid EPC but this has not been possible, a further 21 days are allowed as a grace period. After this period, enforcement action can be taken by enforcement authorities in line with the EPB Regulations.
EPCs and the government’s advice to wash hands, cover face and make space
Overview
The legal requirement to obtain an EPC before selling or letting a property remains in place.
Energy assessments can continue in both domestic and non-domestics properties and should only be conducted in accordance with:
government has published guidance on the new national restrictions which apply from 5 November – this guidance explains the measures that will help everyone to stay safe as the country continues to respond to the challenges of coronavirus. Please see in particular the advice around going to work where the work cannot be done at home and the workplace is open, staying safe when you leave home and whilst at work.
government advice on working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – this advice supports employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Particular attention should be paid to the specific guidance in relation to work carried out in people’s homes.
government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – this advice supports those who wish to move home, to conduct the key activities around moving home safely.
Protecting everyone
Where is possible to conduct an assessment safely, assessors should communicate with households prior to any visit to discuss how the work will be carried out to minimise risk for all parties.
No work should be carried out in a household which is isolating because one or more family members has symptoms unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household.
When working in a household where somebody is shielding or is clinically vulnerable, but has not been asked to shield, for example, the home of someone over 70, prior arrangements should be made with vulnerable people to avoid any face-to-face contact.
Landlords should consult tenants on whether it is appropriate for an assessment to be conducted, based on the tenant’s personal situation. Private landlords and letting agents should not conduct assessments in properties where tenants are symptomatic or self-isolating, or where it has been determined that they are clinically extremely vulnerable and are shielding. Landlords should also seek further information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and the enforcement of standards in rented properties.
If you are unable to undertake an assessment for which you have been booked, you should seek to reschedule your appointment when it is safe to do so.
Source; Gov.uk
