Rental Properties
From the 1st of October 2008 all residential property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when it is let. The Government have intimated heavy fines for non-compliance. The good news is that the certificate will remain valid for 10 years.
An EPC must be provided to a potential tenant no later than:
- when any written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information
- when a viewing is conducted
Obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate involves a visit to your properties by a qualified Home Inspector (HI) or Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).
An EPC tells you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes – which should have the lowest fuel bills – are in band A. The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The EPC is a result of a European Union directive and is a key part of the Government’s strategy to reduce the 27 per cent of national carbon emissions that come from our homes. The intention of the directive is to ensure that building standards across Europe place a high emphasis on minimising energy consumption.
