Residential landlords now require Energy Performance Certificates

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by Lin Freestone

A new scheme came into force at the beginning of October in England and Wales which requires all landlords to give new tenants a certificate showing the energy efficiency of their rented property. This will allow potential tenants to consider energy efficiency and fuel costs.

An Energy Performance Certificate will be given to rented buildings, detailing their efficiency on a scale from A to G. The required examination will check on boiler performance, insulation, double-glazing and the efficiency of appliances.

There is speculation that a prospective tenant may try to force down the rent of a property if it received a bad energy-efficiency rating.

Landlords who refuse to comply can incur a £200 repeatable fine for each unassessed property. EPCs cost between £50 and £150, depending on who carries out the energy assessment.

All EU members must have the system in force by the beginning of next year.

Known as an EPC, the Energy Performance Certificate will be welcomed by tenants seeking better value and more energy-efficient properties.

The chairman of the National Landlords’ Association advises landlords to get their EPCs sorted out as quickly as possible so that they are ahead of the game when it comes to re-letting a property. He said that every landlord hates void periods and needs to be in the position to react quickly when an existing tenancy ends.

Landlords can find a list of accredited energy assessors on the Landmark Information Group website.