There Will Be Someone Sleeping During the EPC Assessment – Will That Matter?
One of the questions we are occasionally asked is:
"Someone will be asleep when the assessor arrives. Will the EPC assessment need to be rearranged?"
In many cases, the answer is no.
Provided access can still be gained to all rooms and relevant areas of the property, the presence of someone sleeping will not necessarily prevent an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment from taking place.
The key issue for an EPC assessment is access to the property, not whether the property is occupied.
What Does an EPC Assessment Involve?
An EPC assessment is a non-intrusive inspection of a property's energy-related features.
This may include recording information about:
The property's size and layout
Construction type
Insulation
Heating systems
Hot water systems
Windows and glazing
Fixed lighting
Renewable energy technologies
The assessment does not involve disruptive testing, building work, or invasive inspections.
Will the Assessor Need Access to Every Room?
Yes.
To produce an accurate EPC, the assessor will require access to all parts of the property that form part of the assessment, including:
Bedrooms
Living areas
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Heating equipment
Extensions
Converted spaces
Loft spaces where access is available
If a room cannot be accessed, important information may not be available to the assessor. Depending on the circumstances, the assessment may need to be postponed until full access can be provided.
What If Someone Is Sleeping in a Bedroom?
The assessor will still require access to the room, even if someone is sleeping, in order to complete the inspection.
In many cases, arrangements can be made so that the assessor briefly enters the room to take measurements and record the relevant information before moving on to other parts of the property.
Assessors will always aim to be respectful, professional, and minimise disruption wherever possible.
Could Restricted Access Affect the EPC?
Yes.
If the assessor cannot gain access to all relevant areas of the property, they may be unable to complete the inspection accurately.
In some circumstances, a further appointment may be required once access can be provided.
For this reason, property owners, tenants, and landlords are encouraged to ensure that all rooms can be accessed at the time of the assessment.
What Should I Do Before the Assessment?
If someone is likely to be sleeping during the appointment:
Inform the assessor in advance if possible
Ensure access can still be provided to all rooms
Make sure heating equipment is accessible
Ensure any loft hatches are not obstructed
Have any relevant documentation available if requested
A little preparation can help the assessment proceed smoothly and minimise inconvenience to everyone involved.
Is Occupancy a Problem During an EPC Assessment?
No.
EPC assessments are routinely carried out in occupied properties.
Whether the property is owner-occupied, tenanted, or temporarily occupied by guests is not normally an issue.
The important factor is that the assessor can gain access to all relevant parts of the property required to complete the inspection.
How A1 Home Inspectors Can Help
At A1 Home Inspectors, we understand that properties are often occupied during assessments and that occupants may be working night shifts, resting, caring for young children, or working from home.
Our assessors will always aim to carry out the inspection with minimum disruption while ensuring sufficient access is available to complete the assessment accurately.
If you have any concerns about access arrangements before an appointment, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss them.
Need advice about an upcoming EPC assessment? Contact A1 Home Inspectors today and speak with one of our assessors.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only. EPC assessments require sufficient access to all relevant parts of the property to enable the assessor to collect the information required by the approved methodology. Individual circumstances may vary.
