Failure to provide energy performance certificate to tenants will invite heavy penalties

Posted under General by Jermaine

Landlords in the UK will have to pay heavy fines if the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are not provided to the tenants, effective October, 2008.   Landlords, with the introduction of Energy Performance Certificate, will be bound to furnish details of energy efficiency and rented property’s impact on environment to the prospective tenants. This provision will be most beneficial for tenants who look for lower rents and minimum energy charges.

An EPC will be valid for ten years from the date of issue. Landlords will not be required to obtain and furnish new EPC for every deal for the same property during validity period. The tenant will have to be simply provided a copy of the latest EPC by the landlord after finalization of new deal. The certificate will highlight property’s ratings on energy efficiency and environmental impact, but the improvement suggestions mentioned in the EPC will not be binding on landlord for implementation.

The National Landlords Association launched a new service called NLA EPCs, which will offer certificates to NLA members for £69 each (VAT included). Landlords will be able to track progress of the EPC online.
According to the NLA chairman, the market should have taken initiatives in making homes more energy efficient. He acknowledged that landlords in the UK have started investing on energy saving measures to fulfil market’s demand for green property.

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