Landlords – Are you ready for EPC?
Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards are reminding landlords that from 1st October 2008 all rental properties with a new tenancy in England will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
If you are a landlord you will be required to give a new tenant a colour copy of the EPC for the building you rent out.
EPCs are being introduced to help promote energy saving initiatives. The certificates look similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances such as fridges and rate the properties energy efficiency and environmental impact on a scale of A to G.
Current running costs for heating, lighting and hot water are also shown and each certificate will come with recommendations on how to improve your properties energy performance.
Prospective tenants will be able to see at a glance how energy efficient and environmentally friendly your property is and this may become a factor in a prospective tenants decision to choose one property over another.
The EPC will last for ten years, and you can get one by commissioning an accredited domestic energy assessor to visit your property. You can find an assessor by contacting the accreditation bodies:
Buildings Research Establishment
01923 664 829
Elmhurst
0870 0850 490
NES
0870 837 6500
Northgate
0117 906 4404
RICS
0870 333 1600
EPC Ltd
08458 123999
Quidos
01373 475520
Home
Inspector Certification
0800 0842074
If you use a letting agent to rent your property, ensure that they have made
arrangements to obtain an EPC. An EPC will cost between £40 - £120, so it is worth shopping around.
Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is responsible for enforcing this new legislation and can issue landlords that do not comply with a penalty charge notice of £200.
Landlords should take action now to ensure they are ready for 1st October 2008, and if the require further information they should visit http://www.direct.gov.uk and search for EPC.
Alternatively landlords and agents can contact their local Trading Standards service for more information on 01926 414040.