AN ENERGY Performance Certificate (EPC) shows information about the energy efficiency of your property.

Each property is given an asset rating which places the energy efficiency of the property on a sliding scale. The most efficient property will be given an A rating, and G will be given to the least energy efficient.

The EPC also includes a recommendations report which includes work that can be to improve the rating.

An EPC is needed when:

- a property is being sold or rented out

- a new property is being built.

- an existing property is being altered in a significant way

- the property is subject to a Green Deal Plan

- or when a property owner has done work which will improve the property's energy efficiency and wants to show this to others.

If you are selling, you need to get the EPC before the property is marketed. An EPC lasts for 10 years.

Some properties do not require an EPC. These include:

- a property which does not have a roof or walls

- a property with no heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment

- listed buildings

- religious properties

- temporary properties with a time use of two years or less

- industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural properties

- holiday lets

- stand-alone properties less than 50 metres square

- and buildings earmarked for demolition.

If you have a property that you let out to tenants, which has an energy-efficient rating of below band E, there are changes due next April which may prevent you from being able to let the property. Look out for more on this in a future article.

If you need further advice about EPCs, especially if you let out a property, contact your solicitor.