New EPC required to sell previously rented property?

[midlandslandlord]

We're selling a rented property, which has a current EPC from just a couple of years ago.

My estate agent is telling me that I need a new EPC for the sale because the one done for rental cannot be used.

The property has not been altered in any way since the EPC was done.

Is he right, and can anyone point me to the appropriate regulation to print out, roll up, and bash him over the head with if not?

Thanks

ML

[mind the gap]

We're selling a rented property, which has a current EPC from just a couple of years ago.

My estate agent is telling me that I need a new EPC for the sale because the one done for rental cannot be used.

The property has not been altered in any way since the EPC was done.

Is he right, and can anyone point me to the appropriate regulation to print out, roll up, and bash him over the head with if not?

Thanks

ML

I'm pretty sure it's nonsense. An EPC is an EPC and is the same whether done for rental or sale purposes, plus it lasts years. You estate agent probably just wants to make a nice bit of commission for himself on getting another one done. (Typically about £40).

I shall check for you!

[midlandslandlord]

Got it. My Estate Agent is out of date.

Under HIPs, an EPC on a property for sale was required to be three months old or less.

See section 7.10 of THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS (CERTIFICATES AND
INSPECTIONS) (ENGLAND AND WALES) REGULATIONS 2007

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/991/pdfs/uksiem_20070991_en.pdf

Now the Coalition has amended that to have the same 10 year validity as for rental property:

Section 4.7 of

THE HOME INFORMATION PACK (SUSPENSION) ORDER 2010 (2010 No. 1455) And THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS (CERTIFICATES AND INSPECTIONS)
(ENGLAND AND WALES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2010 (2010. 1456)

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1456/pdfs/uksiem_20101456_en.pdf

ML