Residential Letting Agents and Property Management Specialists

From 1st October 2008, it will be necessary that every landlord provides their prospective tenants with an EPC. This legislation only applies to tenancies commencing on or after this date. Properties which are already occupied by a tenant on that date are temporarily exempt from this requirement until the tenancy changes (if applicable).

EPC's are essentially the same as those now required from people selling their properties as part of the Home Information Packs (HIP's) and are similar in appearance to certificates that appear on fridges and freezers (see below).

The certificates will last for ten years before they are required to be renewed. We have managed to negotiate a discounted rate with a local energy assessment company; Purbeck Energy Assessments and, in brief, their prices are as follows:

• One and two bedroom properties (not more than two storeys) - £63.75
• Three and four bedroom properties (not more than two storeys) - £72.25

(Properties over four bedrooms or three storeys or more will require a quotation).

The EPC's will provide each individual property with two energy ratings:

• The SAP Rating: This rating provides an indication of a property's energy efficiency. In basic terms, this consists of insulation values, heating and heat loss area. The higher the SAP rating, the lower the fuel costs to heat the home.

• The Environmental Rating: Is an assessment of the property's impact on the environment, with a computation on how much CO2 (carbon dioxide) the property would produce on average in a year. The lower the rating, the more impact it has on the environment.
  

The assessor will also provide details of how a property's energy efficiency could be improved (for example, by the installation of UPVC windows and cavity wall insulation etc.) It is important to note that there is no requirement for the landlord to act on any of the recommendations within the report.

From 1st October 2008, it will be illegal to advertise a property to rent unless it has a valid EPC. Unless agreed otherwise, we will arrange this on your behalf before we commence the marketing of your property. A £200 fine could be imposed for failure to comply.