With effect from 1st October 2008, the need for Energy Performance Certificates will be extended to properties in the residential rental sector.
The rules are as follows:
1. You will need an EPC for your rental property the first time that it is Let to a new tenant after the 1st October 2008. An extension to an existing tenancy will not require an EPC.
2. An EPC will remain valid for 10 years - you do not have to have a new one every time the property is Let - although you may wish to update it if you have carried out work that may make the property cheaper to run - and therefore more attractive to prospective tenants.
3. The EPC must be made available to prospective tenants - and must be commissioned before the property can be marketed (possibly while the previous tenant is in residence).
4. An EPC survey takes approximately 1.5 hours and the data gathered is input to a Government approved Agency which processes the information and generates the EPC. The resultant document is then lodged on the Government’s “Landmark” database, and can be retrieved electronically (and/or printed) by authorised individuals such as the Landlord and their Agent
5. The cost of an EPC from Holloway Inspections (including all fees and expenses) is as follows:
Houses/Flats up to 5 Bedrooms £75.00 plus Vat
Revisit/re-issue of EPC following improvements £50.00 plus Vat
Larger/unconventional or multiple Properties by individual negotiation.
