Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's)
- From 1 October 2008 all property that is marketed for rent MUST have a valid EPC available to a prospective tenant BEFORE entering into a lease. Licensed HMO's are excluded from this requirement.
- An EPC is required even if there is NO gas in the property
- EPC's contain information on energy efficiency and estimated running costs
- EPC's include energy efficiency ratings & advice on improvements
- EPC's are required by Law i.e. the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2006
- Trading Standards will enforce certification on existing buildings
- Penalty FINES will apply if a valid certificate is not produced upon request
- In addition to a fine, failure to have a valid EPC available may invalidate the Tenancy Agreement
- EPC's are valid for 10 years unless there is material change to the property
- EPC'S are not required for existing tenancies
- Only accredited Energy Assessors can do assessments to produce EPC's
Tip : As an EPC is valid for 10 years, rather than risking a delay in your next tenancy with a potential loss of rental income, get the EPC done sooner i.e. at the same time as a gas-elec safety check.
