A Guide to EPC Certificates
Whether you are letting, selling, or building a new property, as a landlord, you must organise an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document informs future residents about the property’s energy efficiency and offers recommendations on how to improve its energy performance.
Is an EPC Certificate Mandatory?
Since 2008 landlords have been legally required to have an EPC. Any property being rented, sold, or built cannot have an EPC rating graded lower than E, which has also been a legal requirement for all rentals – whether existing or new – since April 2020. If the minimum energy efficiency requirement is not met, you could be fined up to £4,000.
Are there any exceptions?
There are some exceptions. For example, a single rented room within a house does not require an EPC.
Listed buildings can also be exempt if upgrade work cannot be carried out to make them more energy efficient. Residential buildings that will be used for less than four months a year are also exempt.
How do I obtain an EPC?
You will need to find an accredited domestic Energy Assessor to carry out an energy performance assessment. Anyone living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can find one here. Alternatively, if we are the agency managing the sale or letting of your property, we will be able to organise this in the early stages of the process.
How long does an EPC last?
EPCs last for ten years and typically cost £35 to obtain. However, an EPC for a larger property may cost more, especially if it is in a city with a high cost of living.
Are there any penalties for not having an EPC Certificate?
If you do not have a valid EPC, you can be fined £200 by the Trading Standards Office. Landlords can also be fined for not commissioning an EPC before the property is put onto the market.
Commissioning an EPC means that either the landlord or agent working on their behalf has requested an accredited Energy Assessor to conduct an energy performance assessment of the property.
Do I need to have an EPC Certificate before letting my property?
Before a property can be put onto the market and made available to rent, the landlord must have ordered an EPC. If you purchased the property within the past ten years and the energy efficiency of the property has not declined during that period, you may be able to use the EPC provided to you at the time.
What can I do if my property has a low EPC rating?
If you have a low EPC rating, there are several simple ways of improving the property’s energy efficiency:
- Upgrade to LED lightbulbs: LED lightbulbs are far more energy efficient than traditional bulbs and are far more eco-friendly. Replace incandescent or halogen bulbs with light-emitting diodes to improve energy performance and reduce your bills slightly.
- Insulate roofing and walls: Almost a third of all heat lost in the home can occur through the roof, but installing insulation with a thickness of at least 270mm will have a significant impact. In addition, wall insulation, or solid wall insulation (especially on older pre-WWII properties), will reduce energy bills and significantly improve the EPC rating.
- Install double or triple-glazed windows: Most new homes usually have double-glazing, but you can add as many as 10 points to your EPC rating by installing new double-glazing or even more by using triple-glazed windows.
- Replace the old boiler: The boiler plays a central role in the energy performance of any property. Upgrading to a newer version will ensure heat is supplied to the property far more efficiently while also saving you money.
Looking to let property?
If you are thinking of letting or selling a property in Willesden Green, Neasden, Dollis Hill or the surrounding areas in North West London and would like more information on the points above, get in touch with our expert lettings team today.