The purpose of the Energy Performance Certificate is to show prospective tenants the energy performance of the building they are planning to rent.
All students renting a house or flat on a joint tenancy or renting a self-contained flat should either be provided with an EPC or be given a way of accessing this electronically. 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 is 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.
When you are looking for properties, look out for EPC details on adverts - landlords should include these. On the Unipol website. if we have been given an EPC, it will be displayed at the bottom of the property details.
If there is no EPC on the website, then ask the landlord to give you a copy when you view or sign for a house.
Samples of Energy Performance Bar Charts