Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Oh great, being a landlord just got even more expensive. Apparently the tenancy deposit scheme wasn’t draining enough money out of landlords, so now they’ve decided to throw in another mandatory pile of shit- an Energy performance certificate.

From the 1st of October 2008, Landlords must provide an Energy Performance Certificate to all new and prospective tenants.

Know what the best part is? Landlords won’t even benefit from the packs unless they have an “I only rent to hippies” policy.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The certificate will give each building a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure – out of 100 possible) rating, and this will equate to an energy rating from A to G, similar to those seen on white goods. For those who don’t speak geek, in English it means, it will show the energy efficiency levels of a property.

What’s the point of an Energy Performance Certificate?

Apparently it will show potential tenants how energy efficient a property is. So for example, if a property isn’t well insulated, thus not very efficient, the odds are they may have to spend more on heating bills per year.

How much do Energy Performance Certificates cost?

I’ve seen them as cheap as £40, but I’ve also seen them priced at £100. It ultimately depends on the location of the property, from what I’m aware. However, I would definitely shop around for quotes, because it can competitive.

How often will they need to be renewed?

Each certificate will last for 10 years unless major renovation work is carried out on the property. Property owners can voluntarily get a new certificate after installation of energy efficiency measures – particularly if these improve the energy rating.

Where do I get a Energy Performance Certificate from?

The certificate must be produced by an accredited energy surveyor. There are plenty of providers around. All you need to do is Google something like, “Energy Performance Certificates provider [insert county]”

Improving energy efficiency

The top five recommendations given by assessors for improving energy efficiency have been: cavity wall insulation, changing to low energy lighting, putting thermostatic valves on radiators, loft insulation, and double glazing. You know, just in case you care…

Final thoughts

Ok, so the piece of toilet paper lasts for 10 years, but still, don’t these fools realise that we’re in the middle of a credit crunch, and shelling out an extra £100 (approximately) could be the difference between eating and dying of starvation? The cost of being a landlord is always increasing, and it seems a bit unfair, in my opinion.

Besides, seriously, will renters even care about these certificates? More to the point, will the majority of renters even know about these certificates to request an inspection of the documents? Doubtful.

UPDATE: Due to some confusion, I thought i’d just clarify. I think being “green” is awesome. Being energy efficient IS a good thing. I’m crying like a baby because of the extra costs involved with being green. The point is, having this document won’t make a property more energy efficient. Moreover, tenants are unlikely to know anything about the document, therefore won’t even care about the energy efficiency certificate.

Why should being “green” cost us more? It seems ridiculous.

Attention! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed so you're notified of all new blog entries.

Talk / 7 Comments

property_newbie wrote this on 2008-08-20 09:35:09 I am sorry to say but I completely disagree with your view.

I consider it an advantage for a property to be energy efficient.

Even if it was not compalsory you should consider it as an advantage your property to be energy efficient since it will make it stand out from the rest properties.

Tenants will consider it as and advantage since they will need to pay less in utility bills.

Finally property efficiency is good for our planet!!! 1

The Landlord wrote this on 2008-08-20 11:06:29 I also thinks it's good for a property to be energy efficient. I'm not disputing that.

I'm disagreeing with the extra costs. Why should being "green" cost more money, in an industry which is already expensive? 2

Mike D wrote this on 2008-08-20 11:29:59 To put the record straight, Landlords need to be aware that HMOs will not need EPCs as at 1st October.

Prices for other rental properties are more likely to be £55 upwards.

For your EPC requirements in the South Wales Valleys contact deadux@hotmail.co.uk 3

alison wrote this on 2009-07-31 11:05:38 i have been a tenant for 22 years my landlord wants an energy efficiencyy thingy done why now? 4

The Landlord wrote this on 2009-07-31 11:10:19 Because it's the law? 5

Mike D wrote this on 2009-07-31 15:34:23 Alison, unless you you are a NEW tenant in the property with a NEW contract, your Landlord shouldn't need to have an EPC. BUT, he/she might want to have one done anyway to check the property over - but this work should not effect you except, of course, you will need to make the property available for the DEA to make the inspection - otherwise no skin of your teeth, as it were. However, the Landord must make the EPC available for you to look at if it is done - it might make you wonder whether he/she is making the most the property and whether recommended improvements might reduce YOUR costs in running the property. If he/she refuses to make the improvements recommended, you might wish to find somewhere CHEAPER to heat and light.... the EPC gives you the knowledge and the power...!
Yes, the Government (and local Councils) have been pathetic in not telling tenants about EPCs - they are there to help YOU decide where to live.
Landlords MUST have an EPC before they advertise the property. If they don't, they are liable to a £200 fine. Contact your local Trading Standards and report Landlords who don't provide an EPC when you make an enquiry to rent... bit draconian, but this'll get em into line and, in the end, there'll be a level playing field for Landlords (& Tenants)and all will benefit! 6

Ben wrote this on 2009-10-27 23:59:59 Anyone know what happens when the property I bought had one anyway? (on the sale particulars but the estate agent is quibbling about providing the hard copy saying about when originally went on the market wasn't required). 7