Energy Performance Certificates

From 1 October 2008, by law, all rented properties will require Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to be available on letting.

The purpose of the EPC is to show prospective tenants the energy performance of the building they are planning to occupy. The EPC must be provided free of charge. The EPC shows the energy efficiency rating (relating to running costs) and the Environmental Impact rating (relating to C02 emissions rating) of the property. They are shown on an A – G rating scale similar to those used for fridges and other electrical appliances;     The certificate will be accompanied by a recommendation report that contains recommendations on how to improve the building’s energy efficiency. However, there is no statutory requirement to carry out any of the recommended measures.

Landlords will need to give basic details of the EPC score on marketing and when a property is let make the certificate available to tenants (in electronic format from a central website or a paper copy).

We will provide more information to tenants and to landlords as October comes closer. All adverts will be able to show basic graphical information and a link to the full certificate.

Until that time both students and landlords might find the Home Energy Check facility on the Energy Saving Trust website useful. This produces a cut down version of the EPC including the graphical representation. Whilst this will not replace an EPC and is not legally valid the site provides help and assistance to improve energy efficiency straight away.

You can fill in the Home Energy Check questionnaire on the Energy Saving Trust website.

See an example of an Energy Performance Certificate here 

For more information on EPCs and requirements, the slides from the training held on 10 June 2008 can be found here 

External Information from Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, an independent voluntary network funded by government and facilitated by the Energy Saving Trust.

Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance (LESA)
A Landlord’s Guide to Energy Performance Certificates