Is it necessary to create an EPC for each apartment or flat separately?

“A reference to a building” includes “a reference to a section of a structure that has been planned or changed to be utilised independently,” according to the EPC standards. As a result, even if a building is divided into sections (or units), only one EPC will be required if the property may only be marketed and sold as a whole. If, on the other hand, portions (or units) of the same building are sold independently, separate EPCs are required. The most important consideration is whether each portion (or unit) of a structure has its own or shared heating system.

• Separate heating systems

In this case, an EPC must be created for each portion (or unit) based on that part’s (or unit’s) energy usage; however, if the parts are similar, this may be done based on a representative part (or unit) in the same block. In the instance of a structure including numerous components (or units) but with, say, four different design types, four EPCs would be required, all other factors being equal.

• Common heating systems

An EPC must still be created for each portion (or unit) with a shared heating system, but it may be based on a single certification of the entire building as a whole.

Example 1: care homes

Only on the construction, sale, or renting of the entire facility would a care home require an EPC. (The entire building EPC would be based on SBEM, the non-dwellings assessment technique.)

In most cases, residents will not be required to acquire an EPC. The home’s lodging, which is given with attendant services but does not include exclusive control of any portion of the building, is not normally considered a letting for which an EPC is required.

Example 2: sheltered housing

Sheltered housing, on the other hand, usually has self-contained apartments that are either rented or owned, with common facilities for social and recreational activities that are controlled by the conditions of the particular accommodation’s lease. When renting or selling a self-contained unit in this situation, an EPC would be necessary.

Example 3: shared or communal areas that accompany parts (or units) with separate heating systems

Where a building has parts (or units) with separate heating systems and a common space, the seller or landlord will be required to provide an EPC for the whole building only if it is being sold or let as a whole. Otherwise the seller or landlord will be required to provide an EPC for each part (or unit) being sold or let plus an additional EPC for the common space. The prospective buyer or tenant can then make their decision on the basis of the energy rating for the part (or unit) and the energy rating for the common space that serves that part (or unit).