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Half of all landlords ignoring EPCs

Catherine Deshayes

From today, 1^st October, landlords are legally required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for properties that are marketed to new or prospective tenants or re-let to existing tenants...

However, research by Countrywide Residential Lettings (CRL) indicates that around 50 per cent of landlords who are actively seeking tenants do not have an EPC and are therefore risking a £200 fine.

CRL, which claims to be the UK's largest network of letting agents, is urging recalcitrant landlords to take immediate action and arrange for an EPC assessment.

The firm's Managing Director, John Hards, warns that failure to do so may result in properties standing empty at a time when the local market is in demand and full of potential tenants.

The certificates assess the energy efficiency rating of a property by awarding an energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from A to G.

EPCs also include recommendations for improving a home's energy efficiency and reducing fuel costs. They are valid for ten years for lettings and cost around £75 to £80.

Landlords who have tenants in place and are therefore not breaking the law if their properties are without EPCs are also advised to act now to minimise the risk of void periods.

The only way to be in a position to act quickly when one tenancy ends is to have the EPC already in place.

Source: www.homemove.co.uk