Energy Performance Certificates for rented properties

Under new legislation, from 1st October 2008, landlords will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their property before they can market it to prospective tenants.  Those who do not will face a penalty of £200 from the Office of Fair Trading.

This document, which gives details of the property's energy efficiency rating, was first introduced in 2007 under the Home Information Pack legislation for property sales.  The new rules require that an EPC must be given when any written information about the property is provided or when a viewing is conducted.  Furthermore, a copy must be handed to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.

The EPC will show how energy efficient the property is, rated A to G, with A being the most efficient.  It will also make recommendations on how to improve the rating.

rileysnelling.com are able to arrange EPCs now and we recommend that landlords consider getting them done ahead of time to avoid the inevitable rush before the October deadline.  Once in place, the EPC is valid for 10 years.