Extended deadline for EPC’s

As from 1 October 2008 all buildings whenever constructed or marketed for sale or leasing will need an energy performance certificate (EPC). Recent regulations have changed the transitional arrangements. As a result:

• Any non-domestic building already on the market before 1 October and remaining on the market after then will need an EPC by 4 January 2009 at the latest.
• If the premises are sold or let in the meantime, an EPC must be requested as soon as reasonably practicable and given to the buyer or tenant as soon as it is available.
• Even if a seller is marketing a property that needed an EPC as at the 6 April (buildings with a total useful floor area over 10,000 square metres) or as at 1 July (buildings with a total useful floor area over 2,500 square metres) he will still be given the additional grace period up to 4 January 2009 to obtain an EPC.

By way of reminder, the first inspection of all air conditioning systems over 250 kW must have taken place by 4 January 2009. The next relevant date for inspection of air conditioning systems over 12kW is 4 January 2011.