Landlords need an (EPC) Energy Performance Certificate London. Landlords who market an investment property for rent are now at risk of being fined £ 200 by the Local Business Standards Officer if they do not have an energy performance certificate on the rental.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An EPC or Energy Performance Certificate is very similar to the labels that come with household appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. They rate the energy efficiency of a building by classifying it between A and G, where A is very inefficient. The idea is that tenants can use them to make informed decisions about which property to rent, based in part on their likely fuel efficiency.
When do landlords need one?
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and recommendation report must be made available by the owner to any prospective tenant free of charge as soon as possible. The government defines these “opportunities” as when
“All written information about the building is provided in response to a request for information received from the prospective tenant”
OR
“when viewing”
If none of the above occurs, the Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) must be presented before the lease is signed.
Where do landlords receive an energy performance certificate?
EPCs are available from one of approximately 7,000 qualified Domestic Energy Consultants (DEAs) hired to carry out the work.
How much should an energy performance certificate cost?
The government estimates that they should cost around £ 100. If an owner searches the Internet, they get prices under £ 100. Some of the cheap EPCs on closer inspection are not as attractive when they first appear. Many general rates do not include VAT, which immediately contributes an additional 17.5% to the cost. Others offer variable rates for houses of different sizes. Needless to say, the low price only applies to 1-bed properties, for example.
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