EPC for landlords London | Energy Peformance Certificates for rental properties
Multi-trade can provide an Energy Performance Certificate for landlords in London, anywhere in London - North, South, East and West. In fact, anywhere inside the M25. Call us on 020 8059 8100 for your EPC report.
Landlord's EPC
Landlords are legally required to ensure that a valid energy performance certificate (EPC) is available to all new tenants. This legislation came into action on 1st October 2008. Another requirement for a landlord! At least the EPC is valid for 10 years. Also, an EPC is only required the next time a property is let to new tenants. If you have an existing tenant and you are renewing the lease, the EPC is at the discretion of the landlord.
When will I need to present an EPC?
The EPC report must be made available free of charge by a landlord to a potential tenant. So:
- When any written information about the building is provided
- When a viewing of the property is conducted
- Before entering into a contract to let
In practice this means, you'll probably need to get an EPC to the letting agent before they'll market the property for let.
And by the way, an EPC is only required for a property that is self-contained. i.e. let as a whole. So, it isn't required if someone rents a room from you and shares facilities. This means you don't need to present your lodger with an EPC!
Discounts for multiple EPCs
We give discounts to landlords with multiple properties, multiple properties within a building i.e. a block of flats, discounts to Housing associations and councils. We also give discounted service bundles. e.g. Gas safety certificates, electrical safety certificates and EPCs. Call us on 020 8059 8100 to discuss your requirements.
So what is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a record of the actual and potential energy saving aspects of a property. The property is assessed using the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure. It's performance is rated in terms of energy use per sq metre of floor area. Energy efficiency is based on fuel costs and environmental impact based on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. |
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What does the EPC tell the tenant?
An Energy Performance Certificate provides the tenant with clear information on the energy performance of the property. This can provide them with an indication of the cost of heating the property and used as a comparison tool against other properties. The government is hoping that natural selection occurs for energy efficient properties. So, potential tenants choose efficient properties over inefficient ones, thereby forcing landlords to make their property energy efficient. Might work.... |
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How long does an EPC take?
An EPC inspection can take from 25 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size, age of the property and access. It shouldn't cause much inconvenience to your tenant. However, it's important that the assessor can get access to any loft space and heating appliances. Both internal and external inspection of the property is required. |
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What exactly is the assessor looking for?
- Looking for how the walls are constructed and measuring any roof insulation
- Confirming if and how many windows are double glazed
- Counting any open fireplaces
- Checking the make and model of the boiler under EU SEDBUK regulations
- Looking for green energy devices such as solar heating panels
- Counting the number of low energy lightbulbs
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Anything else?
- Confirming the type of heating system used e.g. gas or electric
- Categorising the type of material used to insulate any hot water cylinders
- Assessing heat loss through roof
- Checking for excessive window area in larger houses
- Taking measurements of conservatories and extensions
- Counting how many rooms are heated
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So what happens once the assessor has visited?
Once we have made the assessment, the information is uploaded onto the database of the relevant governing body. (There are at least 10 at this point in time). A certificate is then produced and sent back to us. We can send this certificate to you either electronically or in paper copy for your records. The certificate is valid for 10 years. We will store a copy in your Multi-trade account that is created the first time you do business with us. You or your tenants, if you wish, can access our copy at anytime. |
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