Scottish landlords need EPCs from beginning of 2009

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by Lin Freestone

The Scottish Government has been accused by the National Landlords’ Association (NLA) Scotland of failing landlords on the forthcoming introduction of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation. In Scotland, all rental properties will require an EPC on letting with effect from 4 January 2009.

NLA Scotland is concerned that the Government is failing to meet its duty to ensure that all landlords are aware of the new regulations.

The association fears that, without a concerted effort to promote EPCs, there will be widespread confusion among landlords and tenants about what is required under the new rules. From the beginning of next year, landlords who do not make an EPC available to tenants at the start of a new tenancy could be liable to a fine of £5,000, and will have committed a criminal offence.

The introduction of EPCs for the Scottish private-rented sector means that prospective tenants must be given details of the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property.

Jim Parker, Chairman of NLA Scotland, has said he is disappointed to see Scottish Government failing in its duty to keep landlords informed. The promotion of EPCs seems to have been left to the commercial providers, and a significant number of landlords will be blissfully unaware of the risks of not complying with the new rules.