From 1 October 2008 landlords are required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when they rent out a property.
The EPC gives information on the energy efficiency of the property to be let out.
An EPC must be made available
free of charge to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. This should be when tenants are first given written information
about the property or view it, and before any rental agreement is entered into.
EPCs are valid for 10 years and
can be reused as many times as required within that period. It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is
a chance of tenant although landlords may commission EPCs for these properties at any time to prepare for a change in tenant.
An EPC is not required for any property that was occupied before 1 October 2008 and which continues to be occupied
after that date by the same tenant.
EPCs must be produced by an accredited energy assessor.
As part of the Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme, we are offering EPCs free of charge for properties that reach the minimum of a ‘D’ rating. If the property does not reach a ‘D’ it may be necessary to carry out specific works in order to improve the energy rating and obtain the EPC.
For properties that were accredited prior to 1 October and do not reach a ‘D’, it will be necessary to ensure that the energy performance is improved before the expiry of the accreditation certificate.
For further information regarding the Landlord Accreditation Scheme you can either email our Landlord Accreditation Officer or call 01223 457916.
Further information regarding Energy Performance Certificates is available from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Landlord’s Guide to EPC’s from the DCLG.
