EPC's
Energy Performance Certificates
After 1 October 2008 all landlords will need an EPC when a property becomes empty. The EPC must be provided every time a property is marketed to potential new tenants. The documents must be made available every time a property is viewed, or when an offer of accommodation is made. An EPC will last for 10 years.
To get an EPC a Domestic Energy Assessor will survey the property. The survey will involve measuring room sizes and ceiling heights; recording heating; water types and examining evidence of insulation within the property, access will be needed to the loft space.
Before an assessment takes place a landlord should have handy documents relating to the boiler type and insulation. Energy efficient light bulbs should be fitted. All rooms need to be accessible and any cupboards that control pipes and controls. A survey takes just under an hour depending on property size.
There is a legal requirement to take a photo; they may be used in the future by the accreditation scheme of the Domestic Energy Assessors as part of quality assurance checks.
After the survey a report will be written and a certificate issued. It will look like the labels used for fridge and freezer ratings, with colours and numbers demonstrating how efficient the property is at present. The property will be rated between A and G. There will be also recommendations to make the property more efficient and a possible band a property can achieve if extra energy efficient measures are added.
To book an inspection please get in contact with us and we promise to have one of our experienced and qualified assessors there within 48 hours.
Call 0845 034 6677 or email mail@thehomegame.co.uk
Important Notice
New rules on Energy Performance Certificates are set to be implemented on July 1 amidst disarray at government level over the changes.
Although the Government has not officially announced the changes, EPC providers have been told and the official memo has been seen by Letting Agent Today. However, the memo is headed 'draft' and whilst it refers to July 1 as the implementation date. On and after July 1, the EPC will have to be in place within seven days after marketing has commenced - not the current 28 days - although there is something of a let-out clause.
Trading Standards Officers will have the power to request proof from agents
that the EPC has been ordered and to view the actual EPC seven days after
marketing has begun. In addition, the full EPC will need to be attached to all
written particulars. The option simply to include ratings is removed. The
new EPC requirements also affect non-residential buildings which are being sold
or rented out.
The memo ends by saying that the changes will affect all properties marketed after July 1, described as the day that the changes are 'due' to come in.
Courtesy of Letting Agent Today
Any Landlord needing advice about EPC’s or how this will affect their rental properties please do not hesitate to contact us. We can also schedule our qualified assessor to carry out an EPC at your property for as little as £55. However, if your part of our management programme no charge will be applicable for any EPC’s !!