The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008

Energy performance certificates on sale and rent

5.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), this regulation applies where a building is to be sold or rented out.

(2) The relevant person shall make available free of charge a valid energy performance certificate to any prospective buyer or tenant—

(a) at the earliest opportunity; and

(b) in any event before entering into a contract to sell or rent out the building or, if sooner, whichever is the earlier of—

(i) in the case of a person who requests information about the building, the time at which the relevant person first makes available any information in writing about the building to the person; or

(ii) in the case of a person who makes a request to view the building, not later than the time at which the person views the building.

(3) The relevant person shall ensure that a valid energy performance certificate has been given free of charge to the person who ultimately becomes the buyer or tenant.

(4) This regulation does not apply in relation to a building that is to be sold where the relevant person can show that the building is to be demolished or he believes on reasonable grounds that the prospective buyer of the building intends to demolish the building.