After the news just now that our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has been taken into intensive care, we want to wish him all the very best and a speedy recovery.
Landlords must still carry out energy efficiency inspections when selling or renting out a home regardless of coronavirus, according to the latest government guidance.
The law about having a valid energy performance certificate (EPC) remains in place but some restrictions are eased.
The EPC advice explains that if someone lives in the property under inspection, the EPC can be delayed until stay-at-home and social distancing measures aimed at safeguarding people are lifted.
“No assessments should take place if any person in the property is showing symptoms, self-isolating or being shielded – if securing an EPC is critical you should seek to reschedule your appointment when it is safe to do so,” says the guidance.
EPC assessors are also under instruction to follow essential trip regulations and to keep to social distancing guidelines while working.
“Where a property is occupied, parties must endeavour to agree that the transaction can be delayed, so that an EPC assessment can proceed when stay-at-home measures to fight coronavirus are no longer in place,” says the Ministry of Housing guidance.
“If moving is unavoidable and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, and a valid EPC is not available from the register, an assessment may need to be conducted. In these circumstances, government guidelines on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus must be followed alongside the guidance for carrying out work in people’s homes.
“EPC assessments can continue in cases where your property is vacant.”
The guidance follows new EPC regulations demanding all tenanted properties should have at least an E rating came into force this week.
“A valid EPC is a legal requirement when a property is sold, let or constructed and must be completed by an accredited assessor unless an exemption can be applied.
“Where a building is let or sold, the regulations require all reasonable efforts must be made to obtain a valid EPC within seven days, starting with the day on which the building was first put on the market.
“If this has not been possible, a further 21 days are allowed as a grace period. After this, enforcement action can be taken.”
