EPC for UK landlords
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An Energy Performance Certificate or EPC was always integral to official renting procedures. Providing an Energy Performance Certificate to his tenant has become compulsory for every landlord from October 2008, following the passing of the new property act. The formal implementation of the rule is slated for 1st October. The EPC must contain a detailed account of the energy efficiency of the property concerned. However, if you have already rented a building before 1st October, you are outside the purview of this new rule.
The EPC you will get from your landlord is to be a free provision along with the property being rented. The EPC is handed over to the tenant as soon as he views the building and wants to know relevant information about energy utilization. The tenant has the right to go through the EPC before entering into any contract with the landlord.
What does an EPC mean?
An EPC or Energy Performance certificate provides you the necessary information about the energy efficiency of a house. Within this head, you get to know all the details regarding power and electricity efficiency, power consumption and conservation power of the building. So, you get a fair idea of the total electricity bill you have to pay once you own the house. In addition, an EPC also assesses the effect on ecology that is likely to be produced by the energy emissions from your property. The EPC remains valid for 10 years and is applicable for only self-contained properties. If you are sharing or renting a room in the building under a different and unique contract with the landlord, an EPC is not needed.
How do you read the EPC rating?
The EPC rating standard ranges from 'A' to 'G'. The more your house scores towards 'A', the better its rating. However, in most cases, a property gets as far as 'D' and 'E'. If you want to increase your EPC rating, you have to concentrate on a number of points like the heating, lighting, property layout, insulation system, age of the house. If your property scores individually in all these fields, the overall rating will be good.
A tenant's need for an EPC
It is very important for you to know about the cost effectiveness of that beautiful house you have decided to stay. In addition, if you want to be aware about the energy performance and efficiency of your rented property, you must pay close attention to the EPC. However, you can always expect slight variations in the monthly energy bill because the cost effectiveness of your property will largely depend upon the number of members staying in the house, the duration for which it is heated each day and changes in fuel prices from the date of issue of the EPC.
Other advantages from the EPC
Apart from knowing about the fuel efficiency of your own house, you can also make a comparative study of the energy saving status of other properties. The recommendation report that comes along with the EPC can give you a few useful tips about the changes you can incorporate to make your building more energy efficient. This report is vital while making your choice about a house you wish to rent.
Get Your Energy Performance Certificates or EPC from your local Domestic Energy Assessor
Article submitted Thursday, December 18, 2008 & read 92 times.
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