Energy Performance Certificates – Law Changes, January 2013

If you own a rental property, you need to be aware of changes that have just come into force relating to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations. The Government announced the changes, which are from the EU Directive (Council Directive 2010/31/EU) on the energy performance of buildings, in December.

In Brief, the Main Changes are:

1. The EPC rating (A – G) must be included on any advertisements when a property is advertised for sale or rent. This includes advertisements in newspapers, magazines, internet listings and any written material produced by the seller, landlord, estate agent or letting agent.

2. It will no longer be necessary to attach the front page of the EPC to any written material.

3. Listed buildings will be exempt from having to have EPCs when for sale or rent.

As before, when a building is advertised for sale or rent, the seller or landlord must make an EPC available to the potential buyer or tenant free of charge at the earliest opportunity. The seller or landlord must also ensure anyone acting on their behalf (i.e. an estate agent or letting agent) complies with the regulations.

Failure to do so can result in a civil penalty charge notice.

Of course, if you already use a professional property management company, they will take care of these issues for you. If you want to talk to me about the management services we provide at Benham & Reeves Lettings, I will be happy for you to post any queries you have on this blog.

Or if you handle property management yourself, go to:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-the-energy-efficiency-of-our-buildings for more information.