Why is an Energy Performance Certificate required for a rental property? Top tips for landlords An energy performance certificate (EPC) is a vital part of a landlord’s obligation when renting out a property.

 An EPC has been a legal requirement since 2008, however an update to legislation in 2018 now means that landlords are now required to achieve a minimum rating of an E on the EPC for their rental property.

If it does not meet the minimum rating, landlords can face penalties of up to £4,000.

 What is an EPC?An EPC is an energy rating scheme to summarise the energy efficiency of buildings in the European Union.

The EPC highlights two key areas of a property:• The energy efficiency rating, based on how much the home would cost to run• The environmental impact rating, based on how much CO2 is released into the environment because of the homeRatings are based on factors such as the age and layout of the property, the heating and insulation and the construction quality.

The certificate will include information regarding energy efficiency improvements that can be made to the property, how much they will cost and how much money this could save.

 The energy efficiency of the property will enable tenants to compare the potential running costs of renting your property with others and it’s therefore beneficial to have as best rating as possible.

What is a typical EPC rating?The typical rating for a home is D or E.

New build properties will typically achieve a higher EPC rating than older properties due to more stringent modern construction regulations which include insulation requirements, for example.

 How do I get an EPC for my property?EPC certificates are produced by a qualified Energy Accessor.

They will visit your property and collect information about the type of heating and fuel your property uses and its construction.

Many letting agents will arrange an EPC on your behalf, often advising on ways the energy efficiency of your property can be improved before getting the certificate so that you can achieve the best rating possible.

At Hudson Moody we worth with a trusted local Energy Accessor and arrange the EPCs on our landlords’ behalf so they don’t need to worry.

How much will an EPC cost and how often will it need to be renewed?The average EPC costs from around £50 - £100 per certificate and will last for ten years unless major renovation work has been carried out on the property.

How to improve the EPC rating of your property?There are a few simple ways to improve your EPC rating.

 Upgrading lightbulbs in the property to LEDs can help; they are energy efficient and provide a quick and inexpensive way to improve your rating and reduce your electricity bill.

 Improving the wall and roof insulation of your property, replacing the boiler and installing double glazed windows are all other common ways that can quickly and easily improve your EPC rating, especially for older buildings.

If you have any questions about EPC certificates or are considering renting your property, please give us a call on 01904 629629.

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