EPC changes for 2016

Energy Performance Certificates changes for 2016

- From 2016, a tenant will be entitled to ask the landlord to carry out the measures recommended on the EPC, and the landlord will have a legal obligation to do so.

- From 2015, it will be illegal to let a property which has an EPC rating below E.

- We must all have an EPC assessment carried out on any property that we are going to offer for let or sale. This must be commissioned before we begin to market the property and the onus to do this remains on the ‘relevant person’ (the seller or landlord).

- We must show every prospective tenant the EPC at the time of viewing to enable them to assess the cost of fuel that they will use if they take the property.

- We must give a copy of the EPC to each tenant at the start of the tenancy so that they have a permanent record to keep.

- By 2016, we must be prepared to carry out any outstanding measures if the tenant requests us to do so and there is a finance package available, as this will be a legal requirement.

- By 2018, it will be illegal to offer a property to let (or for sale) unless we have raised the EPC rating to E or above if it is possible to do so, according to the Energy Assessors recommendations on the EPC.

- EPCs carried out before 6th April 2012 will continue to be valid until their expiry date. The new style EPC will be used from April 2012.

Should you have any questions regarding the new changes to EPCs, please do not hesitate to contact the lettings team on 01293 582 333 or email info@inspireestates.co.uk