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Energy Performance Certificates - COVID-19 Guidance

The Government has issued new guidance on the requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in property transactions.

In all domestic and commercial property transactions, the seller is required to provide an EPC for the purchaser to review. The Certificate is to be prepared, following an inspection of the property by a suitably qualified person. With the current COVID-19 restrictions, what are the Government recommendations regarding obtaining a Certificate?

Firstly, the health and safety of the person preparing the EPC is paramount and so any attendances must comply with Government advice regarding social distancing. With that in mind, if the property is empty, the EPC inspection may go ahead as normal.

Where the property is occupied, the Government recommendations are that an agreement to delay the sale ought to be sought between the parties, until such time as it is safe for the EPC inspection and sale to go ahead. Where a sale cannot be postponed, the EPC must still be obtained, with any inspection being carried out with Government recommendations on social distancing complied with for the health, safety and wellbeing of the inspector and tenants.

Inspections must not take place if anyone living in the property is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus.

If you are unable to agree how and when to undertake an inspection, there are legal remedies available to you.

For more information contact Laura Hallett Lea in our Business Dispute Resolution department via email or phone on 0333 207 1141. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.

Learn more about our Business Dispute Resolution department here

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