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What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
The EPC shows two ratings on the front page: The Energy Efficiency rating and the Enviromental Impact (C02) rating of the property. Both ratings are based on an A to G scale; A being the best, and G the worst. Most properties in the UK fall in bands D and E.
The EPC also includes an estimate of the energy needed to heat and light the property, along with an estimate of annual cost. Recommendations are made later in the EPC. The recommendations include details of cost, and the amount of money they will save each year. Please see the sample EPC enclosed with this pack.
Why do I need an EPC for my rental property?
You are probably aware of EPC’s forming part of Home Information Packs. However, the EPC is part of a much larger programme initiated by the European Union, called the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The EU has made this directive, law. Therefore every EU country, must have systems in place by the end of the year, to ensure that every residential or commercial property being marketed for rent or sale, must have an EPC. As a result of this directive, the UK government has set a deadline of 1st October 2008, for residential rental properties being offered for rental to have an EPC.
The EPC is intended to help prospective tenants, compare the energy efficiency and environmental impact of various properties they look at. This will be of interest to tenants as it will indicate how expensive the property will be to heat and light.
An EPC which shows a property to be environmentally unfriendly and have poor efficiency, may encourage landlords to make improvements which will benefit tenants and the environment. These improvements will be suggested in the EPC.
Do I need an EPC for a property that is already rented out?
No. The property only needs an EPC if it is re-marketed to new potential tenants. If existing tenants renew their lease you do not need an EPC under the legislation.
However, some mortgage providers are now requesting that properties with buy to let mortgages will need an EPC, simply if they are let out after 1st October. Landlords should check with their relevant mortgage providers.
How long does an EPC last for?
10 Years.
What if I market a property without an EPC after 1st October?
Re-occurring fines of £200 per annum can be expected.
How long does it take to produce the EPC?
The EPC will usually be emailed to the landlord or agent within 24 hours of the inspection being carried out. It may take longer if the landlord cannot supply all the information required.
What is involved in carrying out the inspection?
The inspection is carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor and usually takes about an hour to perform. It involves:
- Making sketches of the layout
- Taking internal or external measurements
- Clarifying type of heating system and controls
- Checking type of loft and wall insulation
- Clarifying the % of low energy lights
- Clarifying the % of double or secondary glazing
- Establishing when the main property and extensions were built
- Measuring the thickness of hot water cylinder insulation
- Making notes of type of construction and position in relation to other properties that affect heat loss
- Checking for excessive window areas
The collected data is then used to produce the EPC which is then lodged by the Assessor with the Landmark database.
Why are EPC’s important?
Buildings are responsible for roughly 50% of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Under the Kyoto protocol, which the EU signed up to, the EU agreed to significantly reduce carbon emissions. EPC’s go some way to doing this as they identify inefficient buildings and explain what can be done to improve efficiency.
How do I book an EPC Inspection?
There are two ways of scheduling the Inspection, preferably through the website using the on-line booking form (see bottom of this page for links); or alternatively by telephone (020-7350-2650).
Letting Agents will be invoiced, whilst private landlords will need to pay on-line in advance.
Where can I get more information on EPC’s?
www.communities.gov.uk
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
www.landmarkinfo.co.uk |
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