An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be provided
Landlords who rent out homes to tenants are being reminded that under new Government rules, they must get their properties energy-efficiency rated from October 1st.
On October 1 new rules were introduced meaning that whenever a home is let to a new tenant, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be provided. This is designed to give tenants an idea of how energy efficient their new home is and how much it might cost to keep it warm.
The EPC shows two things – the building's 'energy efficiency rating' (relating to running costs) and its 'environmental impact rating' (relating to its carbon dioxide emissions).
Each rating is shown on an A-G scale similar to those used for fridges, washing machines and other electrical appliances.
The EPC also contains a recommendation report showing how the dwelling’s energy efficiency could be improved. Both elements must be provided to the new tenant.
An EPC is valid for ten years and can be re-used as many times as required within that period unless the landlord undertakes energy efficiency works and chooses to commission a new one.
The EPC must be produced by an accredited assessor. Landlords are, however, free to seek accreditation for themselves and their employees and thus qualify to certify their own properties.
Landlords who need an EPC can find an assessor:
Ministers have instructed local council trading standards officers to enforce these new regulations.
Trading standards officers have the powers to ask a landlord to produce an EPC for a particular property. If the landlord does not or cannot produce it, they could face legal action and a penalty charge of £200 per dwelling. In addition to paying the penalty notice the landlord will still have to obtain an EPC and provide it to the tenant.
An EPC is not required for any property that was occupied prior to October 1, 2008 and which continues to be occupied after that date by the same tenant.
Rented homes that will need one are defined as any self-contained property where there is no sharing of essential facilities such as a bathroom, WC or kitchen and which has its own entrance either from outside or through common parts.
Tenants who want help or advice about the scheme from trading standards should telephone (020) 8871 7720 or email tradingstandards@wandsworth.gov.uk.
October 9, 2008
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