Since 1 October 2008 landlords have been legally required to provide prospective tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
The EPC provides tenants with information on the energy efficiency of the property.
The EPC provides a measure of the energy efficiency of a property, by giving it a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from 'A' to 'G (where 'A' is the most efficient).
It will also suggest a number of changes that could help the property become more energy efficient and gives a potential rating for the property with the changes implemented. Such changes are split into low cost improvements (up to £500) and high cost improvements (over £500).
Low cost improvements include:
High cost improvements involve structural changes to the property and can include double glazing installation.
You are not legally obliged to act on the recommendations in the report, but taking action could make the property more attractive for sale or rent.
What are a landlord's responsibilities?
You must make an EPC available to prospective tenants at the first available opportunity, ideally before any rental contract is settled.
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Property type
An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained. It is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.
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Renewals
You don't need to renew EPCs every year or if there is a change of tenant. The Certificates are valid for 10 years and only apply to England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland are producing their own regulations.
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Price
The price of an EPC depends on the accredited organisations which issue them. When you obtain a Home Information Pack, the overall cost should include an EPC. The price of an EPC on its own for an average house is about £100*.
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Penalties
The provision of EPCs is enforced by the Trading Standards department of the local authority. If they receive a complaint that an EPC has not been provided they can impose a penalty charge on the landlord of £200† for each breach.
* Source: www.direct.gov.uk
† Source: www.opsi.gov.uk
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