| Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) can help get your EPC sorted out quickly at a competitive price. From 1 October 2008, landlords are placed under a legal obligation to provide prospective tenants with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You must buy an EPC to avoid running into problems with your tenanted properties. The EPC rating states the energy efficiency of the building. It is quite similar to the way it is used for fridges, washing machines and other domestic appliances.
The average rating for residential properties since 1 October 2008 is D/E. An EPC reveals the current energy and carbon emission efficiency rating as well as the rating that could be achieved if you made improvements to the property. Hence, an EPC is useful in many ways.
If you have an EPC, you can get to know the detailed recommendations report that comes with it. It provides advice on low-cost ways to improve the energy efficiency of the property and reduce CO2 emissions. The report lists suggested improvements, such as insulating lofts, an indication of the costs savings that could be achieved if recommended improvements are made. If you were to follow the recommendations made, you can easily cut down on fuel expenses and help the cause of the environment too. Moreover, you are also likely to be eligible for government grants to make improvements to the energy efficiency of your property.
An EPC stays valid for ten years. If you are changing tenants, you need not get a new EPC every time. However, you risk a £200 fixed fine if you do not have a valid EPC when you do change tenant. The fine is liable to be repeated if you subsequently do not apply for an EPC.
You are not under any obligation to act on the recommendations that come with an EPC. However, if you were to follow the suggestions, you could increase the value of the property manifold. This will increase the value of the value of your property in the market and will generate more interest from buyers and tenants. |
