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Landlords unaware of EPC

Catherine Deshayes

Almost 60 per cent of landlords are unaware of the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation, which states that all new tenancies must legally have an EPC as of October 1^st.

Over half of landlords are unaware of the new legal EPC requirement, despite there being only three weeks to go until it comes into force, says new research by the Property Investor Show.

The new rules make landlords responsible for providing a valid EPC and the linked recommendation report, which covers areas in which the home could be made more sustainable, free of charge.

Some say that the new legislation has been badly marketed, which could provide a reason for the widespread lack of awareness on the part of landlords.

All landlords should comply with the legislation, which is being enforced by trading standards, or risk picking up a £200 fine.

EPCs can be commissioned by landlords or letting agents and must be carried out by a trained Domestic Energy Assessor, and the cost ranges from £40 to £120 and each certificate is valid for ten years and can be reused numerous times.

Whilst an EPC and recommendation certificate is a legal requirement, landlords are not obliged to carry out the recommendations, but they could receive a low energy rating if they don't, which could make it harder to let the property.