Residential Assessments
Introduction to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
What is it all about?
The European Union has issued a directive called the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which require all buildings to be assessed for their energy efficiency rating and environmental impact (carbon footprint, CO2 rating). The UK Government has implemented this through the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 and introduced a phased rollout for all buildings.
The result of all this is: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and the legal obligation for them to be available for all residential and commercial buildings at point of sale, rent or construction.
There is an implementation table for when each type of building (domestic / non-domestic), and in what circumstance (construction, sale, or rent) will need an EPC available from.
Domestic Landlords / Agents / Managers
Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate for my rental property?
The requirement for EPCs for all new residential property rentals will become mandatory from 1st October 2008. Landlords and lettings managers will have to provide an EPC to all prospective tenants and issue a hard copy to the selected tenant. This however is only applicable to new tenancies and you will not need to provide an EPC to an existing tenant when they renew their lease.
It is hoped prospective tenants may use the information in the EPCs to draw comparisons between different properties, (efficiency ratings / annual running costs).
What is included in the EPC?
The first bits of information on the certificate after the property address are the Energy Efficiency Rating and the Environmental Impact (CO2) Rating. Both are based on a scale of A to G, where A is the best. In addition the front page also shows an estimate of the energy required to provide heating, lighting and hot water, including an estimated cost.
There are recommendations that outline improvements that would make a difference to the energy consumption of the building. It is not mandatory to follow these recommendations. It includes details of the approximate cost of improvements and the difference each improvement would make to the performance rating and the impact this would have on the cost of energy provision for the property.
The inspection includes an assessment of the construction, space and water heating, windows and insulation of the property. All of this information is fed into a computer, which uses standard figures to calculate the ratings and generate a certificate.
Where do I get my EPCs and how much will they cost?
EPCs must be carried out by fully qualified and accredited Energy Assessors. The type of training and accreditation varies depending on the specific circumstances. Energy Plus can provide the correctly trained energy assessor for all situations. Please call us and we will be able to advise you on the type of assessor you need and given your situation how much that service will be.
Energy Plus are always happy to discuss costings with our clients and provide quotations for undertaking assessments, no matter how complicated your circumstances may appear to be. Please use the details on the contact page to get in touch.
Inventories and Schedules of Condition
An essential part of the renting process is agreeing any inventory and/or the schedule of condition. Energy Plus undertakes this process and provides clear, professional inventories and schedules of condition. These are offered as both written and photographic records to provide an enhanced report that allows everyone far greater clarity. Any discrepancies can then be dealt with simply and with little room for misinterpretation from either party.
Property descriptions
The presentation of details relating to your property is an extremely important part of the whole marketing process. Following an initial inspection, the particulars will be produced and forwarded to you for your approval before being made available to prospective purchasers. We can include a selection of photographs and floor plans and they will be available in digital form.
The Property Misdescriptions Act (1991) requires estate agents to be factual with their property descriptions, and we prepare our particulars to comply with this Act. Our particulars and descriptions will present the property to its best advantage without being misleading.