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From 1st October 2008 landlords are required by law to provide prospective tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC lasts for 10 years so you will not need to renew it with each new tenant. However, if a property has been recently purchased and the EPC was obtained within a Home Information Pack it will only be valid for twelve months.
Why is the Government introducing EPCs?
The requirement is being introduced to comply with the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which applies to all property, including rented property.
Nearly 40% of the UK's energy consumption arises from the way in which our 25 million buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in energy performance, and the way we use each building, will have a significant effect in making bills cheaper, reducing energy consumption and therefore carbon emissions.
What is an EPC?
EPCs can only be produced as a result of a survey by an "accredited" Domestic Energy Assessor. They are used to collect standard information on the property including its size, how it is constructed and its hot water and heating systems. The information is then fed into a government approved software programme which produces the EPC.
For more information on government approved accredited schemes click here
How much will it cost?
The cost for an average house is between £60 - £100.
What information will the EPC contain?
EPCs for dwellings will rate the energy performance of buildings (not the appliances within them) on a scale of `A' to `G' - where `A' is the most efficient, and `G' the least. This will be displayed graphically in a similar way as present energy labelling on white goods, such as fridges and washing machines.
The report will make recommendations but you do not have to act on them. The recommendation report will give you information about suggested improvements, the approximate cost and possible annual savings if the improvements are made.
Enforcement of the Regulations
The Energy Performance of Building Regulations 2007 are enforced by Trading Standards. If a valid EPC has not been made available when required, an offence may have been committed and an authorised officer can ask a landlord to produce an EPC for inspection. If a landlord fails to provide an EPC on request, a notice with a penalty charge of £200 may be issued. The landlord will still have to provide the EPC to the tenant of the property.