Energy Assessment
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives
information on the energy efficiency of a
property you want to let.
An energy performance certificate is required for every newly let property. At present this law does not apply to properties with an existing tenant where the tenancy started prior to October 1st 2008.
In practice, this means you need to provide an EPC whenever a property is let to a new tenant.
Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years, and can be reused for each new tenancy within that period.
The intention of the energy performance certificate is to provide a prospective tenant information on the likely cost of running their home. The idea being that where similar properties are available, the property with a higher energy efficiency will be more attractive as a rental proposition.
What is an EPC - Energy Performance Certificate?
The energy peformance certificate looks like the energy ratings card seen on all new domestic appliances, this normally accompanies a longer report detailing how the assessment has been made.
The EPC should also include information on how much the house is likley to cost to heat, though makes assumptions on numbers of occupants and for how long it is heated and to what temperature. It will also be based on fuel costs at the time the EPC was produced.
How do I get an EPC and from whom?
EPCs must be produced by an accredited Energy Assessor.
If you use an independent energy assessor make sure they are a current member
of an accreditation scheme, as this ensures your energy assessor is operating
to professional standards. An EPC is only authentic if issued by an accredited
Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Details of accredited DEA’s can be found at
www.epcregister.com
Each EPC has a unique number which will be entered on to a national register by
the Energy Assessor. Once the EPC has been created, you can download further
copies in the future by using the report reference number on the top right hand
side of the certificate.
What does the inspection involve?
This is usually a 60 minute visit that requires access to all rooms of the property, also access to the boiler and the loft. The assessor might take photos of the radiators, boiler, meters.
The assessor might request information on when the property was built, whether it has been extended, what insulation it has, the gae of any heating appliances, type of heating fuel.
The information is fed into a standrad set of software which generates the EPC and a sereis of recommendations.
And what if I don't?
The provision of EPCs is enforced by Trading Standards. If you do not have an EPC where one is required there is the potential penalty of £200 per breach.
Useful Links
Communities.gov : Energy Assessment
Regulatory Impact Assessment: Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - Articles 7-10
Carbon Trust: Introductory Guide to Energy Performance Assessment |
