» Energy Performance Certificates now law

Landlords must provide EPSs to prospective tenants


Article Published: 1st October 2008

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From today landlords will be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate for rental properties. The report will be prepared by qualified home inspectors. They will offer advice to landlords on how to increase their properties energy efficiency score by suggesting amongst other things adding thicker loft insulation or solar panels a more efficient boiler or double glazing.

The certificate will inform the tenants of the properties energy efficiency and carbon emissions rating from A to G. The certificate will highlight the current average costs of heating and lighting the property. The cost of the certificate costs from £85 plus VAT and is valid for 10 years; there is a £200 fine if a landlord refuses to comply with the new EU regulation.

The set criteria for a report which must be provided free of charge to tenants by landlords are:-

• When a viewing is conducted

• When written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information from a prospective client.

• If neither of these occurs, before the landlord enters into a contract to let their property.

Landlords will not legally be expected to carry out any of the recommendations outlined by the home inspector.