Energy Performance Certificates
Since October 2008, Landlords must provide Energy Performance Certificates whenever a new tenancy is due to begin.
The rule were updated 6th April 2012. An EPC must be commissioned before a property can be marketed, it also clarifies that the EPC must actually be issued within 7 days of marketing. It also clarifies that it is not only the vendor or landlord who is responsible for ensuring that this requirement is met, but any person acting on their behalf is now also responsible such as a managing agent. The first page of the EPC will become an essential part of any written particulars for properties being marketed for rent.
All Letting Agents will now need to be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned prior to marketing a property for rental
An EPC on a rental property lasts for ten years whether or not improvements are carried out. In other words, if you carry out works such as extra insulation, you do not need to have a new EPC. However, if you do, then you are obliged to show this latest current EPC to prospective and eventual tenants.
The need for Home Energy Certificates is required due to EU legislation, the directive for the UK is known as 2002/91/EC. Certificates can only be issued by a qualified energy assessor. Property is rated between A-G with 'A' meaning the property is very energy efficient and 'G' meaning inefficient. There isn't any requirement by law to make improvements to improve efficiency it's just mainly for tenant information.
Any advertisement (whether print / electronic / email / window display) should include the the first page of the EPC. The penalty for failing to adhere to the regulations remains the same. This is £200 for dwellings and will still be enforced by trading standard officers.