Calculations generated by Zoopla Comparables report, from a 3-12 month period within 1 mile radius of each location.
Energy Performance Certificates Service
Prioritise Energy Efficiency: Empower Tenants & Save the Environment
Energy efficiency is not just important from a legislative perspective, increasingly tenants are looking for assurances that properties are energy efficient – to satisfy both financial and environmental concerns.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a compulsory review of a property’s energy efficiency. Properties are graded from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). Any residential dwelling which is let requires a valid EPC with a minimum E rating. This has been a legal requirement since 1st April 2018 for both new lets and renewals, but was extended to existing tenancies on 1st April 2020.
How long is an EPC valid for?
EPC certificates are valid for 10 years and properties will need to be reassessed for a new certificate to be issued. However, if you have made any improvements to the energy efficiency of the property, then we would recommend getting a new EPC to highlight the improved rating. If you are provided with a valid EPC by your property’s previous owner, there is generally no need to obtain a new one.
What is a landlord’s responsibility regarding EPCs?
Before letting your property, landlords must ensure that they:
- Comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard which is currently E.
- Obtain an EPC from a registered assessor, unless one is already available either from the register or from the vendor.
- Make a copy of the EPC available to any prospective or current tenant.
- Give the tenants a copy of the EPC before they sign the tenancy agreement, even if they have already seen it.
- Provide a complete copy of the EPC (including the recommendation report) to prospective tenants.
In addition, landlords should ensure that any advertisements for the property (whether placed by the landlord or by a letting agent) clearly states the energy rating. Failure to do so could result in the landlord being fined £200 per advertisement.
Is there any help to achieve the E rating or above?
The Green Homes Grant allows landlords to apply for up to two-thirds of the cost of certain energy efficiency improvements to their rental property up to a maximum of £5000. However, for this to apply, work needs to be completed by the 31st March 2021. Further terms and conditions apply, but you can see the full list here.
Although it is unlawful to let a property which has not achieved an E rating, landlords can apply for an exemption, which would come in one of two forms.
- Five-year exemption
- Six-month (temporary) exemption
However, terms and conditions apply, and all exemptions must be registered on the PRS exemption register. A failure to register any exemptions may be considered non-compliance with the regulations.
What we can do
Wirral Homes have made it their mission to take the pain out of property management, and can offer practical advice on efficiency improvements, but can also handle things for you. To see how we can help improve your properties efficiency, arrange for certification and more, Contact Us today.
Accreditations & Partners
