Services – Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

What is an EPC?

Who should get an EPC?

Why do you need one?

The Government is complying with the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) with the introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC shows a record of the energy efficiency levels and CO2 emissions of a building, by using a standard table from A to G (A being very efficient, G being very inefficient).

Firstly, the energy survey is performed by a qualified energy assessor who visits the property and examines key items within the premises such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows for double glazing, etc. Once this information is obtained it is then placed into a software programme which carries out and calculates the level of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions.

This programme then proceeds to generate the level of energy efficiency in the property, with a recommendation report on the ways to improve the energy ratings by using cost effective and low and zero carbon generated systems. This will help improve your energy levels and ensure future savings on fuel costs.

There is a similar report which provides figures on the environmental impact. This report shows a table of estimated energy bills per annum and the potential for improved and lower fuel costs, but without any reference to the actual householder bills.

Landlords in the UK must have an EPC obtained once every 10 years. In Scotland, an EPC must be obtained prior to advertising, whereas in the rest of the UK an EPC must be in the process of being obtained during advertising, and then provided to tenants on move-in.

From April 2018 it will be unlawful to rent any residential or commercial property with an EPC Rating below E.

Landlords and Property Owners in England & Wales are required to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) to any prospective buyer or tenant when they lease, build or sell a Residential or Commercial Property. An EPC is also now a requirement for all dwellings at the construction stage. 

All Residential and Commercial Properties for Sale or Rent will need to be examined and given an EPC. This rates the building’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G and will show where the rating could be after a few improvements. This will assist in reducing CO² emissions. 

Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes which should have the lowest fuel bills are in band A. 

The EPC is valid for 10 years and must be in place before the property goes to market. If any changes to the thermal elements are carried out within that time a new report or an updated EPC will be required.

Find out about our other Landlord Services

As a landlord, you are responsible for the gas safety of your tenants. You must ensure that all gas appliances are working correctly and safely. 

Therefore, every rental property that has any sort of gas appliance, whether it be a gas boiler, gas hob or even a gas fire, requires a Gas Safety Certificate. These certificates can only be issued by a technician registered with the Gas Safe Register. All our engineers are registered with the Gas Safe Register. 

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Landlord electrical certificates are an important part of ensuring the safety of your tenants and being able to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to do so. 

It is recommended that you should have a full electrical inspection carried out every three to five years dependent on previous inspection advise. This examination investigates the state of the electrical wiring throughout the property and thoroughly checks the safety of the electrical installation.

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