Landlord reminder: Energy Performance Certificates

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by Gill Montia

Buy-to-let lender, Paragon Mortgages, is reminding landlords to review the energy efficiency of their properties, before new energy performance rules are introduced this autumn.

From 1st October, landlords will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which must be made available to prospective tenants.

An EPC rates a property’s energy performance and makes recommendations for improvements. It is valid for 10 years.

Landlords are not obliged to carry out any recommendations but prospective tenants will no doubt be considering the EPC when deciding which property they rent.

Both landlords and tenants may be eligible for grants to improve the energy efficiency of a home.

For landlords, schemes include the Landlord Energy Saving Allowance, which allows private and corporate landlords to reclaim income tax for the installation of some energy saving measures.

Tenants of private landlords can apply to Warm Front, which is available in England only.

For those in receipt of certain benefits, the scheme provides grants of up to £2,700 for improvements to insulation and heating. Landlords are exempt from any financial contribution but need to give permission for the work to be carried out.

Landlord grants for heating and insulation are also available from local authorities, and some energy companies offer grants to tenant customers, plus discounted rates on insulation costs.