From Wednesday 1st of October tenants can demand an Energy Performance Certificate EPC from the landlord before signing the rental agreement.

The existing tenants cannot demand this from their landlord – it’s mandatory only for the tenancies that start from 1st of October 2008.

So what does this mean to tenants? The EPC will show how the property rates in the scale of A to G (A most efficient). You can compare the rentals that you are considering, and use the information to help you choose a more energy efficient home to rent. G-rated can indicate to bigger monthly energy bills.

The certificate will also contain recommendations to improve the property but the landlords do not have to carry out these improvements.

EPCs cost from £50 to £150 (depends on the company carrying out the energy assessment). Failure to comply with the legislation could result in a £200 fine.

Read more on the subject:
Landlordzone Forum: Home Condition Reports, HIPs & EPCs
Landlords: Watch Out For This £200 Fine!
New law for landlords

This entry was posted on Monday, September 29th, 2008 at 9:34 am and is filed under For Tenant. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.