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Legal advice: energy performance

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Legal advice: energy performance

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regime can be hard to keep up with because the regulations and guidance are frequently updated. However, it is important for pharmacy contractors to be aware of their obligations.

Subject to exemptions, it is a requirement to have an EPC in any of the following circumstances:

  • You rent out or sell premises (but not where there is no change in the legal owner of the property)
  • A building under construction is finished
  • There are changes to the number of parts in a building used for separate occupation and the changes involve works.

An EPC must be commissioned before marketing any building for sale or rent. The definition of “building” includes a section, floor or apartment within a building, which is designed or altered to be used separately. Penalties range from £500 to £5,000 for failing to comply.

It is now also a requirement to display an EPC in commercial buildings that are frequently visited by the public, with a floor area of more than 500 square metres.

The EPC must be displayed in a prominent place. A pharmacist operating within a large health centre would be well advised to check with the landlord whether an EPC is available and, if so, should consider displaying it to avoid having sanctions imposed.

 

The above is a general overview and we recommend that independent legal advice is sought for your specific concerns.

Michelle Noble is associate solicitor and member of the pharmacy transactions real estate team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.

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