Energy Performance Certificates guide

Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, are essential reports that cover the energy efficiency of a building. Each building will need to be assessed when it is built, rented out or offered for sale. This means as a landlord, getting an EPC is essential under government regulations, and this should be done before you market the home.

If you’re a landlord or homeowner and are unsure what your responsibilities are for Energy Performance Certificates, this guide is ideal. You’ll also learn how to apply for an EPC and get answers to your FAQs.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate is issued after an assessment of any building. It explores how energy efficient a property is and gives guidance on how expensive heating and lighting it will be. The building will be awarded a rating from A to G, A being the highest.

The EPC will also cover the home’s carbon dioxide emissions and give recommendations for improving its energy efficiency.

UK Energy Performance Certificate for landlords

Getting an Energy Performance Certificate for a rental property is mandated when you plan to rent out that building. As a UK landlord, having an Energy Performance Certificate in place to show to future tenants is vital.

You will need to arrange for an assessment and get an EPC within seven days of advertising the property for rent. You’ll also need to hire an accredited domestic energy assessor to ensure the EPC is legal and accurate.

Energy Performance Certificates explained

As we mentioned previously, EPCs are the best way of telling how energy efficient a property is. To explain Energy Performance Certificates in more detail, they’re the perfect way of learning more about energy usage in a home and give detailed ways to improve energy efficiency. These improvements could be anything from installing energy-saving light bulbs to getting double glazing.

In 2020, new rules came into play that state you cannot rent out a property with an energy rating below E.

How to register for an Energy Performance Certificate

Having researched and clarified that you require this assessment, the next step is to explore your options in commissioning the survey; so, ‘how do I get an Energy Performance Certificate?’ Luckily, learning how to register for an Energy Performance Certificate isn’t too complicated. You’ll need to hire an accredited assessor to come and examine your property, after which they’ll produce a report with everything you need to know.

What are the Energy Performance Certificate regulations?

The Energy Performance Certificate regulations state that you need to hire an accredited domestic assessor to survey your property. Landlords will also need to obtain an EPC for future tenants.

If an EPC is not in place within seven days of the property being put on the market, there’s a penalty of £200. Plus, if you don’t bring the property up to band E, you could also face fines of up to £4,000.

FAQs

Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

This actually depends on your circumstances. If you’re a landlord looking to rent out a home, you do need an Energy Performance Certificate, or you risk being fined. As a homeowner, you aren’t obliged to get an EPC unless you plan to sell your property, but this can come in handy.

The report will give recommendations for making your home more energy-efficient, and this can save you money on energy bills.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate assessor?

An Energy Performance Certificate assessor is a person who is accredited to perform home inspections and award EPCs.

When should the Energy Performance Certificate first be available for the tenant to view?

It’s true that you have up to 7 days to present an EPC when putting a property on the market. But you may be wondering when the Energy Performance Certificate should first be available for the tenant to view. This will need to be in place before the tenancy begins, and you will be fined if the EPC is not available at that time.

What is checked for with an Energy Performance Certificate?

Getting an EPC is the best way of finding out how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home. But what is checked for with an Energy Performance Certificate? Firstly the assessor will need access to all the rooms in your home and your boiler and attic.

They will look internally and externally, considering areas like how your home was built, age, and the general condition of your central heating system.

How long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid for?

As a brilliant way to examine your home’s efficiency level, getting an EPC is a great choice. Wondering how long an Energy Performance Certificate is valid for? Each certificate covers ten years. However, it’s not essential to get a new EPC after ten years have passed unless you plan to sell or rent out your home.

In addition, if you take on a new tenant and your EPC is eight years old, you won’t need to renew it until that tenant moves out and you find a new occupant. In addition, if you have major renovations done on your home, the EPC will no longer be valid as it won’t be accurate.

Getting an Energy Performance Certificate

If you’re looking to rent or sell your home, now is the time to arrange for an assessment to get an up-to-date EPC. Alternatively, if you want to improve the energy efficiency of your property, getting an EPC will give you some fantastic recommendations. So, how do you find a professional who is accredited to award an Energy Performance Certificate?

The best way to save you the time and energy of scrolling through endless online search results is to use our handy search feature. Simply input your postcode to find a range of trusted assessors in your local area. You can guarantee that our members will do a fantastic job, and to learn more about each professional, you can view their profile pages.

As a landlord, you may find you need support and advice, particularly when it comes to legal regulations. One of the best ways to find this information is to visit the National Residential Landlords Association website. With guidance and a variety of resources, this is the perfect place to visit for new landlords.

How much does an EPC cost?

Thankfully, getting an EPC is not expensive, and it’s more affordable than a hefty fine for noncompliance. The cost of an EPC generally ranges from £35 – £120, depending on your home’s size, type, and location. For more information and prices, check out our EPC cost guide.

Which trade should you use for the job?

When seeking an Energy Performance Certificate, you’ll need to hire an appropriately accredited tradesperson; otherwise, your EPC won’t be valid. The easiest way to do this is by searching our database of members, looking under Energy Performance Certificate.