Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required when any building is sold, rented out or constructed and for certain refurbishments. They usually form part of a Home Information Pack (HIP) for domestic properties being marketed for sale.
EPCs give information on a building’s energy efficiency in a sliding scale from ‘A’ (very efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient). Every EPC also has a recommendations report showing how you could improve the rating and make the property more attractive to tenants.
This guide is aimed at private residential landlords. It explains when EPCs are required by law, what an energy inspection involves, how you can prepare and what financial assistance is available if you want to improve the energy rating of your properties. You can also find out how to obtain multiple EPCs if you have several similar properties
What an Energy Performance Certificate is
Private residential landlords are legally required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when renting out a home to new tenants.
An EPC gives information about a property’s energy efficiency. You must give a copy to prospective tenants when they view a property, when they ask for any written information about a property and before any rental contract is signed. It remains valid for ten years and can be used for all new tenants in that period.
EPCs are required for self-contained properties only. They are not necessary when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.
Ratings
The EPC provides an energy performance rating from ‘A’ (highly efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient). Because ratings are standard, tenants can easily compare the energy efficiency of one property to another. Ratings are influenced by type of property, its age, layout, construction, heating, lighting and insulation. The typical rating for a property is D or E.
Ratings enable prospective tenants to assess the estimated costs of heating the property and the amount of carbon dioxide released as a consequence.
Estimated running costs are based on assumptions about a property (ie the number of occupants and how long it is heated during the day). However, average fuel prices from the date the EPC was produced are used, which could be up to ten years old. Actual running costs will vary depending on current fuel costs and tenant use.
Recommendations
The certificate also includes recommended measures that could improve a property’s energy performance. You do not have to implement these, but you may be eligible for financial assistance if you do.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) can only be provided by an accredited domestic energy assessor or a certified home inspector.
Once your property has been given an EPC, it gets a unique number and is registered on a national database by the assessor. You can download extra copies by using the report reference number on the top right-hand side of the certificate.