Morning Advertiser victory on EPCs

Pressure from the Morning Advertiser has helped to secure a temporary reprieve for pubs requiring an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by 1 October.

EPCs will be compulsory for all pubs sold or let from 1 October but the Government has responded to calls from the MA to introduce a transition period. Now any pub on the market before 1 October will have until 4 January to have its EPC in place.

There had been wide-spread fears that the severe shortage of inspectors would leave vendors liable for a fine of between £500 and £5,000 for failing to comply.

"This means that any non-domestic building on the market before 1 October and remaining on the market will need an EPC by 4 January at the latest," said a spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government.

"If it is sold or rented out in the meantime, an EPC must be commissioned and then handed over as soon as is practicable."

"This measure is intended to make it easier for owners and landlords to comply with the legislation, avoid market fluctuations and is in response to expectations from the industry."

An EPC will rate pubs from A-G on energy performance, with the cost likely to be between £700 to £1,000.

"This is a positive step by the Government in providing a bit more clarity on this legislation and some more time for the industry to prepare for its implementation. We will be working with our clients to make sure that they are up to speed with these changes," said Christie + Co head of valuation services Darren Bond.

Andrew Whelan, divisional director at Fleurets who is leaving at the end of September to start his own company EPCforProperty, said: "This has primarily been done because there are not enough assessors in order to comply with legislation. What people do need to be aware of is it still needs to be provided by 4 January. If you are about to exchange or complete after 1 October an EPC will still have to be provided but you have until 4 January to do so."