Landlords: How To Make The EPC Work For You
- The Energy Performance Certificate was thrust upon Landlords in October 2008 with little explanation and the threat of a £200 fine for non compliance. They are required for first time rentals and also for renewals.
- The EPC has the potential to be an excellent promotional tool. Particularly, as prospective tenants are showing an increasing interest in fuel bills in these days of the credit crunch and ever increasing energy prices.
- Our price for the EPC is £50, including government lodgement fees. Volume discounts are available to landlords.
The certificate gives a current rating of where a property is now, the resultant carbon footprint, and estimated fuel bills. It also gives suggestions for improvements and their individual effect on fuel costs, carbon emissions and the potential increase in the EPC rating.
- Therefore a high scoring property will have more appeal to potential tenants, as the fuel bills will be lower.
A rental EPC is valid for 10 years unless some aspect affecting the rating is changed e.g. replacing a boiler. The survey looks at all factors of a property affecting:
- Heating
- Lighting (Fixed Fittings only)
- Hot water
Example Improvements and the Approximate Rating Increase:
| Measure | Potential Rating Change |
| Replace a back boiler with a new condensing combi | +7-8 |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | +8 |
| Low Energy Light Bulbs ( Fixed Fittings) | +3 |
| Upgrade Heating Controls (Thermostatic radiator valves & room thermostat) | +5-6 |
| Hot Water cylinder thermostat | +2 |
| Double Glazing | +3-5 |
| Loft Insulation from 0 to 270mm | +12 |
| Loft Insulation top up from 100mm to 270mm | +5-6 |
( Figures courtesy of Robin Kumar DEA)
- As survey records and site notes have to be saved for 15 years, any altered properties can be resurveyed at a reduced fee, provided we have completed the initial inspection.
Landlords may claim tax relief on the cost of cavity wall and loft insulation and also receive installation subsidies:
-
The Landlords Energy Savings Allowance (LESA) allows tax savings on an outlay of up to £1500 pa for each individual residence for costs due to the installation of cavity wall and loft insulation.
(See www.direct.gov.uk). -
Warmzone (Tyneside) currently offer free or subsidised cavity wall and loft insulation (From as little as £99 per measure). Each branch within Tyneside operates their own scheme with varying qualifying criteria
(See www.warmzones.co.uk).
As the EPC is valid for 10 years it is in everyone’s interest to ensure the survey is as accurate as possible.
Landlords may assist the survey by:
- Advising approximate dates of extensions and loft conversions. This is because building regulations have changed over the years.
- Ensuring access is possible to all rooms and around the exterior of the property. Also, access to the electric meter, hot water tank and loft space.
The EPC can work to the benefit of all: Lower energy bills creating a more attractive property for prospective tenants in addition to less carbon emissions. If changes are considered by landlords there are not only subsidies available but taxation benefits too.
