What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC is similar to the energy performance certificates now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. The energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property will be rated on a scale from A-G (where A is the most efficient and G the least efficient). Current running costs for heating, hot water and lighting will also be shown on the certificate, together with a list of recommended energy saving improvements. The rating is based on factors such as age, property layout, construction, heating, lighting, windows and insulation. The ratings are standard so a tenant can compare the energy efficiency of one home easily with another. The typical rating for a home is D or E. The environmental impact rating = the environmental impact rating of a home's impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
From 1st October 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory for all new lets.
A landlord will need to provide an EPC whenever a home in the social or private rented sector is Let to a new tenant. It applies to all residential tenancies regardless of the tenure type.
A landlord must make the EPC available free of charge to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. This should be when they are first given information about the property or view it, and certainly before any tenancy agreement is entered into.
EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant although landlords may commission EPCs for these properties at any time to prepare for a change in tenant.
If a new EPC has been produced for a home within the ten year period, only the most recent one if valid.
The EPC provide prospective tenants with information about how energy efficient a property is that they are considering renting.
An EPC is not required for any property that was occupied before 1st October 2008 and which continues to be occupied after that date by the same tenant.
EPCs must be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
From 1st October 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory for all new lets.
A landlord will need to provide an EPC whenever a home in the social or private rented sector is Let to a new tenant. It applies to all residential tenancies regardless of the tenure type.
A landlord must make the EPC available free of charge to prospective tenants at the earliest opportunity. This should be when they are first given information about the property or view it, and certainly before any tenancy agreement is entered into.
EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant although landlords may commission EPCs for these properties at any time to prepare for a change in tenant.
If a new EPC has been produced for a home within the ten year period, only the most recent one if valid.
The EPC provide prospective tenants with information about how energy efficient a property is that they are considering renting.
An EPC is not required for any property that was occupied before 1st October 2008 and which continues to be occupied after that date by the same tenant.
EPCs must be produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
