Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our compliance services. Browse by category to learn more about what we offer.

It depends not only on the service booked but the number of services booked as well. Generally speaking, a single service should take no more than a half hour. For multiple services booked, allow more time.

We offer appointment windows. Our assessors could arrive at your appointment anytime within that time frame, so please allow for this when planning for your appointment.

We don’t give timeframes on issuing of paperwork, but we do work to issue documents as quickly as possible. Our timelines may not align with yours, so we recommend you book as far in advance as possible for your service.

We issue your documents via email. Please make sure you check spelling when entering in your data at the point of order as this can have an impact on service delivery and documentation.

Bookings must be paid at the point of booking your order on our online booking system.

When your order has been placed, you are given the option of three preferred dates. We will then confirm your appointment to you via email.

Every appointment is confirmed via email. If you cannot find this information, please contact us to have it reissued. Your appointment confirmation contains important details about your appointment, what you need to do to prepare for our visit and our terms and conditions.

We require 72 hours notice for rescheduling an appointment otherwise we will have to charge you for your appointment.

You will be charged for your appointment.

Energy Performance Certificates

An EPC is a document that rates the energy efficiency of a property, indicating how well it uses energy and provides recommendations for efficiency improvements.

EPCs are required when selling or renting a property in Scotland and they must be available to potential buyers and tenants.

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue or until a new one is issued.  If major works were to be undertaken during this period, building owners may choose to update the certificate, however, this is not mandatory.

No, but you may wish to give serious consideration to these possible improvements as not only will they reduce the carbon emissions generated and the energy used, but they could also save you money and be more appealing to potential buyers and tenants.

No. Only if you sell or rent out the property after the 10 year period. The same EPC can be passed to subsequent tenants if it has been produced by a member of a protocol organisation within this 10 year period.

An EPC provides an energy efficiency rating (A-G, with A being the most efficient), estimated energy usage and costs, as well as recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

EPCs can be issued by accredited energy assessors or certified companies.

An individual EPC will only be valid for a period of ten years. If major works were to be undertaken during this period, building owners may choose to update the certificate, however, this is not mandatory

Legionella Risk Assessments

Legionella is a form of bacteria commonly found in water systems such as water tanks, pipes and air conditioning units. .

A Legionella Risk Assessment identifies potential risks in your water systems and helps you comply with the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (L8). It protects your tenants and keeps you legalls compliant.

As a landlord, you have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to manage the risks from Legeionella in your rental properties.

Our assessors will inspect your water systems, identify potential risks, test water samples if needed and provide recommendations to control and manage any identified risks.

At Adegrity, we recommend annual assessments for domestic properties. More frequent assessments may be needed if significant changes are made to your water systems.

You’ll receivve a detailed risk assessment report with findings, recommendations and an action plan to manage any identified tasks.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Portable Appliance Testing is a safety check carried out on electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use.

It involves a visual check examination and an electrical test by a qualified and competent person.

While the Electricity at Work regulations 1989 require that electrical equipment be maintained in a safe condition, they do not specify that a PAT must be done or how frequently. However, by carrying out a PAT, it helps you demonstrate compliance with these regulations and helps keep everyone involved in your property safe and protected.

Any electrical appliance that can be moved and plugged into an electrical outlet should be tested. This includes items like kettles, cookers, fridges, computers, lamps etc.

Only qualified people can perform PAT testing. They must have the neccessary skills, qualifications and experience to carry out inspection and testing.

The certificate includes the appliance description, location, test engineers name, test carried out and results obtained.

The frequency of testing depends on several factors: who’s using the equipment and how often, the environment in which it’s being used, the type of equipment it is, if it’s a requirement from your insurance provider and your own risk assessment. At Adegrity, we recommend annual testing, especially for property management services.

Ensure that all appliances are accessible and provide any relevant documentation, such as previous PAT records. We require access to the plug, therefore items such as fridges will need to be moved to allow access to the plug. It’s also helpful to label appliances with their last test date.

Yes – some councils will require a copy for landlord licensing/compliance, as will some insurance providers.

Best practice is to maintain a log for monitoring and maintenance purposes as well as demonstrating compliance.

If an apppliance fails, it should not be used until it has been repaired or replaced.

If you change address, you will need to get a new PAT Certificate as your current one will be invalid with the incorrect address. You will need to arrange for a new inspection to be carried out of your equipment, in case anything has been damaged in transit too.

Fire Risk Assessments

It’s a structured assessment of a building to identify fire hazards, assess the risks to people and determine necessary safety measures. It helps ensure the safety of occupants, visitors and staff and is a legal requirement in certain circumstances as a landlord.

In Scotland, if you operate a HMO or a Short Term Let as a landlord then you are legally required to have a written Fire Risk Assessment for your property. If you operate a Commercial property, you are legally obliged to hold a current Fire Risk Assessment.

Fire Risk Assessments are crucial for identifying potential fire hazards and implementing measures to prevent fires, protect lives and comply with legal requirements.

The duty to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment falls on the employer, owner or occupier of the premises, depending on circumstances. This includes ensuring the assessment is carried out by a competent person.

A Fire Risk assessment must be renewed annually as well as reviewed at regular periods throughout the year to ensure the safety of tenants and visitors. If any significant changes occur such as renovations, new equipment or changes in occupancy, then a review is recommended.

While it is possible to conduct a basic assessment yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional fire risk assessor to ensure a comprehensive evaluation that complies with legal requirements.

You will be provided with your Fire Risk Assessment.

We recommend that you implement any recommend fire safety measures as soon as possible to ensure the safety of those using the building.

We also recommend continuous monitoring at regular intervals as well.

Yes, many insurance policies require a valid fire risk assessment and coverage may depend on your compliance.

SBEM Calculations

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is a calculation method used to assess the energy performance of commercial buildings and demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations. It evaluates the building’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

An SBEM calculation is required for most new commercial buildings and significant renovations. It’s needed to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part J (Conservation of fuel and power).

We require a full set of scale plans (including sections, elevations and a site plan showing North) as well as details about the building’s construction, HVAC systems, lighting and any renewable energy sources.

SBEM calculations must be carried out by a qualified and accredited energy assessor who is familiar with the National Calculation Methodology (NCM).

THe time required depends on the size and complexity of the building. It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

An SBEM calculation helps ensure compliance with Building Regulations, improves the energy efficiency of the building, reduces CO2 emissions and can lead to cost savings on energy bills.

The cost varies based on the size and complexity of the building. For an acurate quote, please contact us directly.

To prepare, gather all relevant documentation, including building plans, specifications of HVAC systems, lighting and any renewable energy installations.

Section 63 Audits

A Section 63 audit is an assesment required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It evaluates the energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions of non-domestic buildings over 1,000 square meters built before 2002.

A Section 63 audit is required when a qualifying building is sold or leased to a new occupier. It’s a mandatory requirement for properties meeting the size and age criteria.

This audit involves an energy assessment of the building, resulting in an Action Plan that outlines measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Only a trained and accredited commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) assessor can conduct a Section 63 audit.

The Action Plan includes recommendations for energy-saving improvements, such as upgrading lighting, heating systems and insulation.

Property owners must complete the recommended improvements within a specified timeframe, typically set out in the Action Plan.

Failure to comply with the Action Plan can result in fines, typically around £1,000 for each failure.

You can fill out our quote form or give us a call on 0800 448 0208 for an accurate quote based on your building’s size and complexity.

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Compliance services for homeowners, landlords and residential property managers.

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