EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for rental properties are changing (again). Since April 1, 2018 all landlords in the UK have had to ensure that their rental properties have an EPC in place before they can be advertised for rent. An EPC is a document that provides detailed information about the energy efficiency of a property. It includes a rating of the property's energy efficiency on a scale of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and recommends ways in which the energy efficiency of the property could be improved. Landlords are required to make an EPC available to potential tenants upon request, and must provide a copy of the EPC to the tenant once the tenancy has begun. If a landlord fails to provide an EPC when required, they may be subject to a fine.
The UK government has proposed to increase the minimum energy efficiency standard for rental properties to an EPC rating of C or above by 2025 for new tenancies, and by 2028 for every existing tenancy. This means that from these dates, landlords will be required to ensure that their rental properties meet a minimum energy efficiency standard of an EPC rating of C or above in order to be eligible for rent. If a rental property does not meet this standard, the landlord may be required to make energy efficiency improvements in order to bring the property up to the required standard.
There are several ways that you can improve the energy efficiency of your rental property and increase its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. Here are some steps that you can take:
Insulate your property: Proper insulation can help to reduce heat loss and keep your property warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This can be especially important in older properties, which may not have as much insulation as newer buildings.
Install energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills. Look for appliances that have an energy efficiency rating of A+++ or A++.
Install low-energy lighting: Replacing traditional light bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent bulbs can help to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
Upgrade your heating system: An old or inefficient heating system can be a major source of energy waste. Upgrading to a more efficient system can help to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
Address air leakage: Air leakage can be a major source of heat loss in a property. Sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings can help to reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of your property.
By making these and other energy-saving improvements to your rental property, you can increase its EPC rating and make it more energy efficient. If you are a landlord in the UK and you do not have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your rental property, you may be subject to a fine. The fine for not having an EPC depends on the type of property and the length of the tenancy. Here are the current fines for not having an EPC:
For properties with a tenancy of less than six months or more than 99 years, the fine is £200.
For properties with a tenancy of six months to less than three years, the fine is £500.
For properties with a tenancy of three years or more, the fine is £1,000.
If you are a landlord and you do not have an EPC for your rental property, it is important to obtain one as soon as possible in order to avoid these fines. Having a property manager is a great way to ensure you are up to date with all compliance related matters, including your EPC! Get in touch with our lettings team today at rentals@cheshamproperty.com
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