Since the 1st October 2008, Landlords and Vendors in England and Wales have been required by law to provide either their new tenants or buyers with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

To organise a EPC report for your property contact us.

EPC's - The Facts

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An EPC is similar to labels produced with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is least efficient.

What is the purpose of an EPC?

The purpose of an EPC is to record how energy efficient a property is, so that the energy efficiency of one building can be compared to another of the same type. It will also allow tenants to consider fuel costs before they decide to commence a tenancy.

What is included in the EPC?

An EPC contains the following information:

Estimated energy use - based on standard assumptions, an estimate of energy use, carbon emissions and fuel costs for lighting, heating and hot water is provided.
Advice about energy efficient behaviour.
Recommendation report - will outline any potential improvements that would make a difference to the energy consumption of the building. This includes details of the approximate cost of improvements and the difference each improvement would make to the performance rating and the impact this would have on the cost of energy provision for the property.

At what stage will the landlord need to show the new tenant an EPC?

The EPC report must be made available free of charge to the prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity and no later than when a viewing is conducted or before entering into a new tenancy agreement.

How long is an EPC valid for?

An EPC is currently valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If a valid EPC exists when changing tenants, a new EPC certificate will not be required.

Can a property fail to get an EPC?

No, all properties will be provided with a certificate with a rating on it. A property with an 'A' rating will be more energy efficient than a property with a 'G' rating.

What impact will EPCs have on the environment?

The energy saving trust have estimated that the average property could save over £300 a year on fuel bills related to their property by carrying out the basic recommendation in the EPC.

Will a landlord be forced to make improvements that the EPC report suggests?

No, a landlord will not be forced to make changes to their property although it may be advisable as there are tax incentives to do so in the short term and possible benefits in the long term including a higher property valuation both for renting and selling purposes.

What happens if the landlord does not obtain an EPC for their property?

Landlords that do not have a valid EPC on any new tenancies that commence on or after 1st October 2008 are at risk of being reported to their local Trading Standards and the Office of Fair Trading. Penalties will include fines between £500 and £5000 and the loss of the right to operate. For letting agents this means they cannot let/advertise the property.

From what date will it become compulsory for the landlord to have an EPC for every residential property that s/he owns?

Once a new tenancy commences anytime on or after 1st October 2008.

How much will they cost?

Greenwood and Company will arrange for an EPC before any new letting commences after the 1st October 2008, the cost of this will vary depending on the size of the property, however the average cost will be between £80 and £120.

EPCs