Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
From 1 October 2008, all properties being let to new tenants will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This requirement has been brought about by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
The Regulations apply to both commercial and residential properties that are to be rented or sold on the open market from October 1st, 2008. These regulations are to be enforced by Trading Standards. Landlords marketing their properties for sale or rent from this date without an EPC certificate run the risk of being served with a fixed penalty of £200 per property.
What is an EPC?
An EPC is a certificate, very similar to that found on a washing machine or Fridge Freezer. It expresses the energy rating of a building. Its purpose is to indicate how energy efficient your building is. The EPC will provide an energy rating on a sliding scale from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient). The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the property, the attractive the property will become to potential new tenants. Government grants are available nationally, to help Landlords improve the energy efficiency of their properties, details of which can be obtained from your local council.
What are the identifiable areas for improvements?
The key areas to look at are:
- heating and boiler system
- cavity wall and loft insulation
- double glazing
- energy efficiency lights
How long is an EPC certificate valid for?
Provided the building is not subsequently modified, an EPC certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and will be kept on a central register for 20 years.
When is an EPC required?
From 1st October, 2008 all properties being let to new tenants will require an EPC certificate.
How do I organize my EPC certificate?
You simply need to contact us and provide us with the authorization to organize your Energy Assessment for you, this will result in the production and registration of your EPC certificate.
Q: Is the EPC certificate the same as the one being produced for HIP packs?
Yes. It is known as an rd SAP EPC certificate and is only produced for existing properties that are on the market for sale, and from October,2008 for those properties being marketed for rent.
Exception: New build properties from April, 2008 will have a different EPC, known as a full SAP EPC certificate. This certificate will be passed to the owner on exchange completion.
Q: As a residential letting landlord do I need to have an EPC?
From 1 October 2008, all properties being let to new tenants will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This requirement has been brought about by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and will be enforced by Trading Standards.
Q: What benefit is an EPC to me, the Landlord?
The EPC will provide an energy rating for the building on a sliding scale from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient). The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the property is. A Recommendations report will accompany the EPC on how best to make savings and reduce carbon emissions.
Various grants are available to help improve the energy efficiency of your property, Details of which can be obtained from the appropriate council department.
Whilst there is no compulsion to act on the recommendations made in the EPC report, acting on the recommendations could make the property more attractive to prospective tenants, worried about high fuel bills.
Q: What are the consequences for not having an EPC in place by 1st October, 2008?
Landlords marketing their properties for sale or rent from this date without an EPC run the risk of being served with a fixed penalty of £200 per property by their local Trading Standards officer.
Q: How long are EPC certificates valid for?
It is expected that the EPC certificate will remain valid for 10 years, where no alterations have been made to the property that will affect the overall Energy Rating of that property.
Q: In what circumstances will I need to renew the EPC?
Where you have made improvements / alterations to the property that affects the Energy Rating. For example; upgraded the boiler, increased loft insulation levels, installed double glazing, or cavity wall insulation. If in doubt your Letting Agent or local council will be able to advise you further
Q: If I own one property that is split into flats. Do I need individual EPC’s?
Where a large property is split into a number of ‘self – contained flats’ (eg: each flat having its own boiler system) then each flat will require an EPC certificate.
Q: Who is qualified to produce the EPC certificates?
Currently only Domestic Energy Assessors and Home Inspectors are qualified to carry out onsite full Energy Assessments and produce the EPC certificates.
Effective on 12th March, 2008