The Government have announced the suspension of Home Information Packs with immediate effect from 21st May 2010. Homes marketed for sale on or after this date will no longer require a hip, although the requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate has been retained. Sellers are required to commission an epc before marketing of the property commences although need not be in receipt of it.
A number of new requirements under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulation 2010 are set out including:-
- Making the epc valid for a period of 10 years.
- Homeowners must have commissioned an epc before marketing their homes. The seller must ensure the epc has either been paid for or a promise for payment has been given and a Domestic Energy Assessor instructed to prepare the EPC.
- Any agent or person acting for the homeowner to sell the property must be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned before marketing the property and must make reasonable efforts to obtain the epc within 28 days.
- These new duties carry fixed penalties if they are not adhered to.