Frequently Answered Questions

Q: When do I need an EPC?
A: When you start marketing for sale the leasehold or freehold of your commercial premises, or when you assign or grant a commercial lease.

Q: Who has to get an EPC?
A: The legal obligation is on the landlord or owner of the freehold; however in practice if you are a tenant who needs your landlord’s consent to an assignment of lease, your landlord is likely to pass the cost onto you.

Q: How much does a commercial EPC cost?
A: We would estimate that a 500sqft shop would cost around £450 + VAT and a 1,000 sqft shop would cost around £750 + VAT. Our costs would rise depending on the complexity of the building, its size and number of floors.

Q:What’s the difference between a Residential EPC and a Commercial EPC?
A: A lot! A commercial EPC involves a complete measurement survey of your building, measuring the u-value of your windows, the energy efficiency of your lighting systems, the efficiency of your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and the zoning of your building. A commercial EPC also lasts 10 years and is lodged with a publicly accessible database.

Q: What happens if I don’t get an EPC?
A: Trading Standards can fine you 12.5% of the rateable value of the land with a minimum fine of £500 and a maximum fine of £5,000. They can keep fining you until you get an EPC. The solicitors acting for a purchaser of your business or freehold will require you to get an EPC.

Q: My agent says that I don’t need an EPC, is he right?
A: No he’s wrong! Virtually all commercial premises will need an EPC. If Trading Standards find that you don’t have one, will your agent be paying your fine?