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Landlord Energy Performance Certificates
From the 1st October 2008 - Landlords are now legally required to show prospective tenants the ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES prior to letting the property.
Why have Energy Performance Certificates been introduced ?
The EPC has its roots in the Kyoto Protocol which was a worldwide initiative started in 1997 to address the issue of Greenhouse gases. Since then the European Union have formulated the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings, which applies to all member states with a clearly defined timetable of the measures we must introduce. By 2009 virtually every property in the UK including our homes, shops, offices, factories, schools and hospitals will require an EPC and in many cases this will need to be displayed publicly.
Local trading Standards Officers will police the legislation and Landlords who do not produce the EPC could be fined £200. Once the fine is imposed the Landlord must still obtain the EPC or risk further £200 fines. Am EPC is valid for 10 years.
With energy costs rising on almost a daily basis tenants will be actively seeking out more energy efficient properties ahead of those not making the grade. A recent survey has shown that 9 in 10 tenants said that the EPC ratings would affect their choice of property.
When will my property need an EPC?
If there is a tenant in situ you will not need to issue an EPC at renewal but if you suspect you may have a property becoming vacant October, November or December it may be wiser to plan having your Energy Performance Certificate produced sooner rather than later for the UK's 7,000 qualified domestic energy assessors (DEA’s) are likely to be busy dealing with the backlog of the estimated 3 million properties that need to comply with this legislation.
When and what must I show the tenants?
The EPC Certificate and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by the landlord to any prospective tenant that the landlord deems suitable at the earliest opportunity. This is usually when there is a viewing or a request has been made for the property particulars. At the very least the EPC must be produced before the letting contract/tenancy agreement is signed.