Employee Relocation Services and Corporate Rentals

The Department of Finance and Personnel is introducing Energy Performance
Certificates (EPCs) in Northern Ireland to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings:

o Regardless of the date when an existing dwelling is placed on the market, from 30th June 2008, the relevant person (the seller) has a legal duty to make available free of charge a valid EPC to the prospective buyer or actual buyer a valid EPC at the earliest opportunity (i.e before entering into a contract to sell). This must be given free of charge. (www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk)

o From 30th December 2008 the relevant person (the landlord) of a building which is to be rented out has a legal duty to make available to the prospective tenant or actual tenant a valid EPC at the earliest opportunity (i.e. before entering into a contract to rent). There is no need to obtain an EPC for an existing tenancy. (www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk)

o From 30th September 2008 the relevant person (the builder) of a new building (dwelling and non-dwelling) has the same legal duty as the home seller and landlord above. When the construction of a new building is completed, the builder or person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner. (www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk)

“As an employee relocation specialist sourcing both permanent and temporary rented accommodation for employees we view the the new legislation as a very positive move. Employees will be able to understand the energy efficency of a property (and how to make improvements) prior to purchasing or renting a property in Northern Ireland. The down side for the seller or landlord is that it will increase their costs and take additional time and stress,” stated David Jannetta, Mover Adviser, HCR.

David went on to highlight, “The good news is that HCR will arrange the EPC on an employee or landlord’s behalf.”

For further information on HCR’s Energy Performance Certificate service, please contact David Jannetta on: e-mail: djannetta@hcr.co.uk tel: +44 (0) 1256 313763

Or for relocation solutions please contact Natascha Clark on:
e-mail: nclark@hcr.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1256 313839

For more information on the EPC legislation please visit www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk