The Energy Performance Certificate is an indicator of the fuel cost of the property. As such, it’s an important document for anyone contemplating living in your property. The EPC is required to be presented to any prospective tenant from the time the property is advertised for rent. The good news is that the EPC is valid for ten years regardless of any improvements made and however many different tenants move in during that time. In addition, you do not need an EPC for any property that was rented prior to October 2008 and which is still occupied by the same tenant.

Landlords should be aware that one of the pitfalls of not commissioning an EPC when required (aside from a possible £200 fine) is that the production of an EPC is an essential element of the contract because it is a requirement in law. Tenants who subsequently fail to pay rent will undoubtedly be able to put forward a case that non-production of the EPC invalidated the contract – leaving you up the creek without a paddle!

Landlords have suffered the EPC, since their introduction, as another boring box to tick off along with annual electrical PAT tests and gas safety checks particularly considering that, unlike a PAT or gas safety test, the EPC has no pass or fail. However, from 2018, any property rented out will have to rate at least an ‘E’ to be rented out. Failure to comply will mean a swinging fine of £5,000. See the Dept of Energy and Climate Change for more information.

With regard to the coming change in 2018, landlords need to know that many tenants are eligible for free insulation to reduce heating bills (thereby raising your property rating and value) through the government’s Warm Front Scheme. In addition, the government’s new Green Deal project, scheduled for October 2012, means that the property EPC rating can be improved and the tenant benefit from a warmer home - paid for by the savings in the tenant’s fuel bills.

Aside from the free advice above, London and Essex EPCs provide a second benefit to landlords with multiple properties who commission their EPCs with London and Essex EPCs: Discounts! Phone now for a quote.

AML Search & Energy provide low cost reliable EPCs in London and Essex for Landlords