subject: When is an EPC, DEC or AC inspection required? [print this page] When is an EPC, DEC or AC inspection required?
Sellers and landlords are responsible under the regulations for providing energy performance certificates (EPCs) on their properties when these are sold and rented. Builders are required under the Building Regulations 2000 to provide EPCs for newly constructed buildings to the building owner.
For all sales or lettings, in both the domestic and the non-domestic sector, an EPC must be made available to any prospective buyers or tenant at the earliest opportunity, and no later than the time at which information in writing is first given on request to such a person, or such a person views the building concerned. An EPC made available for these purposes must be accompanied by its recommendation report.
Furthermore, written particulars, paper or electronic, for domestic properties placed on the market for sale or let, must include either the asset rating from the EPC or the copy EPC itself.Occupiers of larger public buildings (such as hospitals or government offices) are responsible for showing a display energy certificate (DEC) in a prominent place. This must be renewed every year. The occupier mustalso be in possession of an advisory report, valid for seven years.
Local weights and measures authorities have similar duties for ensuring that owners of air conditioning systems with an effective rated output over 12kW are in possession of an air conditioning inspection report. Systems will have to be inspected at least once every five years. Systems put into service on or after 1st January 2008 must be inspected first within five years, and older systems must be inspected first before 4th January 2009 for systems over 250kW and 4th January 2011 for the rest.
Energy assessor accreditation bodies will handle other aspects of regulation, including ensuring that assessors work to appropriate standards, checking the quality and accuracy of certificates, and handling complaints against assessors for unacceptable work or behaviour.
