As part of the latest phase of implementing the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, from 1st October 2008, all properties for sale or for rent, (including businesses), will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC will rate the building’s energy efficiency from 'A' (good) to 'G’ (bad) and also indicates where the rating could be after cost effective improvements are made.
The landlord, be it private or social (Local Authority, Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMO), Tenant Management Organisation, Registered Social Landlord (RSL) or Housing Association) will be responsible for ensuring a valid EPC is made available to all new prospective tenants. The legislation is not retrospective to sitting tenants.
The EPC and recommendation report contained within it must be made available free of charge by a landlord to a prospective tenant at the earliest opportunity and no later than:
- when any written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information received from the prospective tenant or when a viewing is conducted; or
- if neither of those occur, before entering into a contract to sell or let.
The only person who is able to produce an Energy Performance Certificate is an accredited Energy Assessor. Details of how to find an Energy Assessor or to check that the EPC certificate issued is valid can be found at the Landmark Information Group website
The price of an EPC will normally vary depending on the size of the property and typically upwards of £50.
The certificate for a rented property is valid for a period of up to ten years. However, if major improvements are carried out to a property within that time that are likely to have an effect on a property’s energy rating it is considered Best Practice to commission another EPC, prior to re-letting of the property.
On the right of this page you can download the pdf Energy Performance Certificates EPCs and renting homes: A tenants guide
You can also find more information and see what the Energy performance certificate looks like by following the web site links on the right hand side of this page.