Energy Performance Certificates for rented properties

It is now a legal requirment for all landlords to to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before they are able to market their property for prospective tenant/s. The legislation make into effect from 1st October 2008, and for those who do not face a penalty of £200 from the Office of Fair Trading.

This document, which gives details of the property's energy efficiency, was first introduced in 2007 under the Home Information Pack legislation for property sales.  The current rules require that an EPC must be given when property information 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 shows how energy efficient the property is and given a rating, ranging from A to G with A being the most efficient.  The certificate also provides  recommendations on how you can improve the property to increase the rating.

rileysnelling.com are able to arrange EPCs on a landlords behalf we recommend that landlords obtain one of these certificates ahead of the property being advertised.  Once in place, the EPC is valid for 10 years.