Do I need an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is:
built
sold
rented
You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent.
What is an EPC?
An EPC contains:
information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money
An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.
If you are not sure if your property already has a valid EPC use the link below to find out…
https://www.epcregister.com
How do I get an EPC?
You’ll need to find an accredited assessor if you’re selling or renting out your home, They’ll assess your property and produce the certificate. A local estate or letting agent can arrange this for you or you can find accredited assessors on the government website.
What are the new changes?
As from the 1st April 2018 there will be a requirement for any properties rented in the private rented sector to have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The regulations will come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st April 2020. It will therefore be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption. A civil penalty of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches.
It is recognised that there are some properties that will not reach an E rating and the Energy Assessor will note this on the EPC and a note of the highest possible rating will also appear.
As long as landlords comply with all the recommendations on the EPC it will be legal to let properties that cannot be brought up to the minimum standard. The new rating will be noted on the revised EPC and a potential tenant will be therefore be aware that the property may be expensive to heat – this may have an impact on a landlords ability to let the property as more tenants become sensitive to fuel costs.