Landlord EPC
Landlord EPC
LANDLORD EPC
From 1 October 2008, if you are renting out your residential property, you will need to provide an EPC to any prospective tenant. There is no need to obtain an EPC for an existing tenancy. Once obtained, a certificate remains valid for 10 years. The EPC is enforced by Trading Standards department who can impose a £200 fine if a valid certificate is not made available.
The EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge by the landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity. Publicity will be aimed at potential tenants encouraging them to assess properties through the EPC before taking up a tenancy. They can compare properties to get a feel for what their heating and lighting bills might be.
Energy conservation is a growing concern for most people and with energy companies' ever increasing prices tenants, as well as homeowners, will want their homes to be as energy efficient as possible.
If tenants are in receipt of certain benefits you might be able to insulate your property at significant discount. Visit www.warmfront.co.uk for more details.
Advice on energy efficiency improvements and grants is available from
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
The Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) is administered by HM Revenue and Customs. It allows private landlords who pay income tax to offset up to £1500 spending on certain energy efficiency measures. (www.hmrc.gov.uk)