Similarly to the private rented sector, from 1st October 2008, an EPC will also be required whenever a building in the social sector is let to a new tenant.

The definition of a suitable building requiring an EPC is:

'The whole, or part, of a building where the part is designed or altered to be used separately.'

For residential purposes, 'designed or altered to be used separately' describes a unit that is self-contained, meaning that it does not share essential facilities such as a bathroom/shower room, wc, or kitchen with any other unit, and that it has its own entrance, either from outside or through common parts, that is not through another dwelling?

As with private rental properties, Social Landlords must provide an EPC free of charge to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity and must provide a copy of the EPC to the person who eventually takes up the tenancy.

EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. Therefore, it is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant. Also, an EPC is not required for any property that was occupied prior to 1st October 2008 and which continues to be occupied after that date by the same tenant.

The Energy Portal will be pleased to discuss the supply of domestic EPCs to Housing Associations and other Social housing organisations either for occasional instructions or on bespoke terms to reflect the volume of EPCs if a large number are required. To ease administration, we are also able to receive your instructions in volume in spreadsheet form if required.

Please contact us for more details.