Is an EPC required for every new tenancy?

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by Readers Question

12:02 AM, 11th September 2024, 2 years ago 10

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Hi, grateful for advice please as there seems to be some conflicting information out there.

I understand an EPC and EICR are compulsory for tenanted properties. Am I right in thinking that a new EPC has to be obtained on a change of tenancy, regardless of when it was issued, but an EICR lasts for 5 years (regardless of any tenancy changes) unless significant changes are made to the system.

Any advice from Property118 members would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Adrian

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Tags: EICR 5-year rule, EICR validity, EPC on tenancy change, EPC renewal, EPC requirements, Landlord responsibilities, Rental Property Regulations, UK Rental Laws

Comments

Cider Drinker Read Full Bio

Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1586

7:42 AM, 11th September 2024, About 2 years ago

An EPC is valid for 10 years. It should be renewed if significant modifications are made to the property. No need to renew during a tenancy or before a new tenancy.

It’s recommended that an EICR is renewed for a change of tenant but, as a minimum, a visual check by a competent person should be done to ensure no changes have been made since the the EICR was issued.

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Adrian Jones

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 305

10:19 AM, 11th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Thanks Cider Drinker. I’ve just been told by an electrical company that EICRs are compulsory on change of tenancy and provided a quote!

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PH

Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 392

1:25 PM, 11th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Adrian Jones at 11/09/2024 – 10:19
Tell them to check their facts and be very cautious with electric companies who will try to rip you off for anything. It’s good that you asked on here .

2 Report Comment Reply
Adrian Jones

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 305

1:43 PM, 11th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Thanks PH, I assumed that. it’s certainly Rip Off Britain these days.

1 Report Comment Reply
david boughton

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 16

6:03 PM, 11th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Epc electrical firms and gas companies are all on the great landlord rip off train…
They will tell you or even your tennants anything to get money …not forgetting agents who do similar….check your legal requirements …or post on here …..hey landlords Fight back NOW

1 Report Comment Reply
yl2006 Read Full Bio

Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 46

10:05 AM, 14th September 2024, About 2 years ago

The law requires you to give your tenants a valid EPC and EICR, amongst other docs, at the start of a tenancy; existing ones will do and you don’t have to commission new ones.

That said, some LLs opt for new EICRs and LGSRs on every change of tenancy due to the safety critical nature of these areas. Personally, I’ve had tenants take out gas cookers and leave the supply uncapped; one even took out the gas fire, cutting off the supply beneath the floor before neatly reinstating the floorboards!

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Adrian Jones

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 305

11:09 AM, 14th September 2024, About 2 years ago

That is very interesting, I’d never have thought about removing appliances.

In view of the relatively small cost of a new gas safety certificate, it’s probably a good idea.

Thank you.

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PH

Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 392

11:13 AM, 14th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Don’t forget the annual gas safety check

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Adrian Jones

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 305

11:22 AM, 14th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Thanks PH. I put them in my diary 3 months in advance.

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Disgrunteld Landlady Read Full Bio

Member Since July 2024 - Comments: 112

9:01 AM, 18th September 2024, About 2 years ago

Same question for PAT Tests please. I have checked Middlesbro HMO regs and they are not required every year yet OpenRent is pushing for PAT Test and renewal date for PAT Test.
Gas Safe checks.. I was getting them annually via my “Agent” for years, only to discover they were just fraudulent pieces of paper when my boiler went down. So make sure you have someone one competent doing all this or you are still not covered.

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