EPC for landlords explained

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.

To be precise, an EPC or an Energy Performance Certificate is very handy for the tenant as it informs you about the energy efficiency of a house. An EPC will give you all the details on the power and electricity consumption as well as the conservation of the power in the home. The EPC throws light on two important aspects of the house - the tenant comes to know of the energy efficiency of the house (the total power cost of the home) and learns about the impact of the energy released from the home into the surrounding environment.

The tenure of the EPC is 10 years. It is meant for the self-contained properties only. If you are a tenant sharing or renting a room within the house and having a separate contract with the property owner then you will not need the EPC.

The rating of an EPC is based on factors like property layout, heating, lighting, age of the house, insulation system, and also the entire construction of the house. The highest rating that any house can obtain is "A", but this is a dream to achieve with most of the houses acquiring "D" and "E".

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.

You do not have to invent the renovation techniques - the recommendation report will contain all of it for you. What is more, you will get a budget estimate for undertaking the suggested improvements as the report enlists the cost requirements as well as the cost saved annually for the improvements. From the information given in the report, you can also take steps in time to reduce carbon emissions and curb high fuel bills.