| Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's) |
Properties offered for rent are required by law to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC must be made available to potential tenants, ideally when they view the property. EPCs last for 10 years, and so the annual cost is minimal.
As Domestic Energy Assessors based in Inverness, Simply Let specialises in energy efficiency surveys for landlords, and is able to issue EPCs for rented property. If you are a landlord offering houses or flats to rent in Inverness or the surrounding area, give us a call.
Our in-house Domestic Energy Assessor will carry out a survey of your property in order to assess the energy efficiency. The resulting EPC will grade the property on a scale from A to G in terms of both energy efficiency and environmental impact. It will also give you recommendations for improving the rating and cutting heating costs. We can give you general guidance, before carrying out your energy assessment, on what factors are likely to influence or improve the outcome.
| A few things to consider if you are a landlord:
The EPC recommendations are there as guidance. There is no legal obligation to make the improvements. However, taking action on the recommendation is likely to improve the energy rating of the property. An example of these recommendations may be:
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Using low-energy light bulbs |
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Adding or improving loft insulation |
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Installing double glazing |
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Installing a condensing boiler |
A good rating should enhance your property’s appeal by reducing your tenants’ heating costs. EPCs are valid for 10 years, and can be re-used within this time regardless of changes of tenant. You can commission a new EPC at any time however. This may be worth considering if you have carried out improvements.
If you are a tenant.
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The EPC will give you guidance about the energy efficiency of the property you are considering. |
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Bear in mind that the EPC is based on assumptions about how many people will be occupying the property and how long it will be heated each day, as well as the average heating costs at the time the EPC was produced. |
What about the costs
Our fees start at £75 plus VAT. Our advice is free.
To arrange your Energy Survey and EPC contact us now
The Good News
There are likely to be grants available.
See the Energy Saving Trust for details.
Get a little help from Lesa!
The Landords’ Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) allows landlords a deduction for income tax purposes (up to a maximum of £1,500) on the installation of energy saving measures. See HMRC
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