Energy Performance Certificates
Landlords must provide an Energy Performance Certificate for
their property when letting to a new tenant. The purpose of
them is to tell the tenant how energy efficient the property
is.
They are valid for ten years and they can be used as many times
as required during that period. If a new one is issued at any point
during this time then it will be the most recent that is
applicable. They are not required for properties that have been
occupied before the 1st October 2008 and continue to be
occupied by the same tenant. However, when a tenant is due to move
out landlords are advised to apply for a certificate 14 days before
it is required.
Certificates are required for each individual self-contained
flat if there are no shared facilities. They will be rated from A,
which is very efficient to G, which is very inefficient.
An Accredited Energy Assessor can certify properties but needs
to be a current member of an accredited scheme. Details of
assessors can be found on the EPC register.
An assessor will need to inspect the property and photographs
may be taken.
To prepare for the inspection landlords are advised that they
may need to supply copies of deeds, details of when the property
was built, details of any extensions, certificates of double
glazing etc.
Following the inspection, a report will be sent to the landlord
with any recommendations, which will include any cost savings that
can be achieved if the improvements are made. These recommendations
are cost effective and will be separated into two categories; low
cost (less than £500) and high cost (over £500).
There will be no penalties if landlords do not carry out the
recommendations. However, there will be a £200 penalty if they
fail to provide an EPC. This fine is enforceable through Trading
Standards.
Landlords can receive financial assistance towards the cost of
installing energy efficiency measures. Useful information is
available from the following websites:
