Do you own an apartment? If so, you have recently been required to submit the EPC Common Parts. What does it say? What parts is it about? Find out in this article!
What is the EPC Common sharing?
EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC is a document that shows how energy efficient your home is. You will find information about the building envelope, space heating, ventilation, lighting, solar energy and hot water heating. Since January 1, 2024, all apartment buildings with more than 2 apartments in Flanders must have an EPC label of the common parts and of the residential unit.The document for the common parts is called “EPC Common Parts” (EPC GD) and the document for the unit is called “EPC Residential Unit”.
This will give potential buyers or tenants an idea of the energy efficiency of the entire building. As a landlord, you are obliged to present this document, even if you do not sell or rent your apartment. Does your home need an energy performance certificate? Check it out with the EPC roadmap.
What are the common parts of an apartment?
- The Hall
- The roof
- The doors
- The outer walls
- The entrance/stairwell
- The shared corridors
- The shared seating areas
- The floor at ground level
- The shared laundry rooms
- The windows (glazing and profile)
- …
Need tips for saving energy as a renter? Read them here!
What is in the EPC Common Parts?
The EPC Common Parts is different from the EPC for sale or rental. The EPC Common Parts includes:
- The current energetic state, depicted with color bars for each category:
- Roofs
- Walls
- Flooring
- Windows (glazing and profile)
- Heating
- Lighting
- Solar
- The overview of recommendations to improve energy performance
- An overview of concerns and websites with guidance on how to tackle a renovation
What are the conditions?
These are the terms of the EPC Common Parts (EPC DG):
- You prepare the EPC GD for each apartment building.
- A licensed energy expert (Type A) must prepare the EPC GD.
- You can find the building demarcation in the Buildings Register of Flanders.
- An apartment building is a building with at least 2 apartments. Buildings with 1 or more owners must present this document.
- New construction apartments must have an EPC GC no later than 10 years and 1 month after receiving the planning or environmental permit.
- Apartment buildings where a major energy renovation (IER) has recently been completed do not fall under the heading of “new construction apartments.”
How much does the EPC GD cost?
There is no set cost for the EPC GD. The price depends on:
- the size of the building.
- the energy expert (type A).
- the complexity of the building.
- the travel costs of the energy expert.
How long is the EPC Common Parts valid?
The EPC Common Parts is valid for 10 years. However, the certificate must remain current. If you take measures to improve energy performance (e.g.. insulate), then you need to have the EPC revised.
What are the benefits of the EPC GD?
For renters/buyers:
- It provides an insight into your energy consumption and home comfort.
- It gives you necessary information to compare with other potential rental apartments and houses.
For landlords/sellers:
- With a positive EPC GD, you rent out your apartments more easily.
- It gives an overview of what to tackle first and how best to do it – as an owner.
- It makes it easier for the co-owners’ association (VME) to decide what renovations are needed.
- Can you demonstrate that you improved the EPC? Then you may be eligible for grants and subsidies.
EPC Common parts application in 6 steps
Step 1: Syndicator informs owner or VME
The building manager (syndic) notifies the owner or association of co-owners (VME) to provide the EPC GD.
Step 2: Collect supporting documents.
The trustee and owner or VME collect all evidence of the energy performance of the common parts such as insulation, joinery, glazing. Note: Without an EPC GD, EPCs may not be prepared for the individual residential units.
Step 3: Make an appointment with an energy expert
The owner or trustee makes an appointment with an energy expert (Type A).
Step 4: Energy expert site visit
During the site visit:
- the owner or trustee shall ensure that the boiler room, roof and other common parts of the building are accessible to the energy expert.
- the owner or trustee ensures that the energy expert receives the supporting documents.
- the energy expert examines the common areas and installations.
Step 5: Receive the EPC Common Parts
The energy expert sends the EPC GD to the owner or VME.
Step 6: Share the EPC GD
The recipient shares the EPC GD with:
- the owner or VME and syndicator, and together go over the recommendations.
- the residents.
- the prospective buyers and/or prospective tenants.
Note: When selling, you transfer the EPC GD together with the EPC Residential Unit to the new owner(s).
The EPC Common Share of Apartment Buildings is your guide to a more energy-efficient future! An energy-efficient building is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet and the comfort of all residents.
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Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Deferm, S. (2024, March 8). EPC Common parts. Apartment.be. Accessed on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/epc-gemeenschappelijke-delen-appartement