Property people get ready for new EPC rules

Property people get ready for new EPC rules

17:31 PM, 21st February 2012, About 12 years ago 46

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Landlords and letting agents must comply with a streamlined energy performance certificate scheme from April.

The government has given the green light to the new rules that bring EPC requirements for selling and letting residential and commercial property into line.

From April 6, all properties need a valid EPC certificate before marketing to let or for sale – and agents must be ‘satisfied’ a survey is booked before advertising the property.

The new regulations arm trading standards officers with powers to demand files from an agent to examine evidence an EPC was ordered before marketing.

The EPC should be available within seven days of marketing and a copy of the front page should be attached to all marketing particulars – including those available in print, online and email.

Prospective tenants and buyers are entitled to see a full copy of the EPC when viewing a property.

A more flexible time limit of up to 28 days is offered to complex commercial surveys.

EPC design also changes – the new certificate replaces complicated graphs on the front page with clearer information about the property’s energy costs and any measures that could be taken to cut them.

The top three tips for energy-saving improvements will be listed.

Homes or commercial property already on the market with an old-style EPC before April 6 do not need to buy a new certificate.

Failing to comply with the new regulations could cost landlords or agents fines up to £200 for homes or 12.5% of the rateable value with a minimum £500 and maximum £5,000 for commercial property.

Download more information from Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011


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Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

20:22 PM, 19th April 2012, About 12 years ago

I wouldn't have bothered answering that question either if I was Mary. First, it was answered very well by Paul but more importantly, the tone of your original post was, in my opinion, overly aggressive and at best, totally misguided.

21:15 PM, 19th April 2012, About 12 years ago

Sorry Kris, I can't see where you asked anything about what happens to properties in bands F and G, but just in case it hasn't been mentioned yet, there is a get out clause which is expected to help listed buildings etc. this clause says that if an EPC is produced which shows that the property has been improved as much as it can legally be improved and yet still doesn't reach band E, it can be let, but the landlord must show that they have put in place all the practical recommendations.

For all the arguments about energy conservation, one thing cannot be avoided... Doing nothing and carrying on as normal will not work. We may all disagree in one way or another with the method, but that doesn't change the fact that we have to do something, otherwise we will be buying out gas at ten times the price from China in 20 years.

1:38 AM, 20th April 2012, About 12 years ago

To assist your understanding regards your genuine concerns; you should refer to the govt website which explains all about the processes involved in the Green Deal.
If you have queries regarding this info then please share your concerns.
We get all our info from the govt site.
Necessarily we may share your cynicism about these 'Green' improvements.
However, as LL we have no choice in the matter.
It is a govt diktat.
If we as LL wish to continue to rent out our properties we have little choice but to comply with govt strictures.
We may all agree with you,  but what can we do.
I wouldn't be too concerned about heritage disappearing in rental properties.
Most are not noteworthy and therefore unlikely to cause any detriment to any heritage.
Plus as has been mentioned only certain improvements may be made to listed buildings.
I don't think therefore that you will find your Tudor beam house clad with insulation boards inside and outside.
Your bog standard rental property will achieve what is required probably by D/Glazing,
Energy saving bulbs
Cavity wall insulation where appropriate
Loft insulation
Radiator thermostats.
Draught- stripping
This will all be paid for by the govt and repaid over ther years by the tenant occupants.
Whilst it is compulsory for LL only it is actually a no-brainer for a LL as the govt is paying for compulsory improvements.
Your debate could be, why is the govt handing out vast sums of money to LL to improve the energy efficiency of tenanted properties privately owned.
As a tax-payer I would be furious , as a LL I say govt show me the money..........you can't beat a free lunch which is what the govt is offering LL.
As I have said you could look upon it as a form of QE which will actually employ people to carry out these improvements.
So rather than giving the QE money to banks; who refuse to lend it out as intended, the govt is making the funds available to LL via authorised 3rd parties and then LL will employ builders and suppliers to carry out the improvement works.
This will create real employment which will cause taxes and NI to be paid.
The govt could actually make a profit out of advancing these funds as it costs them effectively nothing; they just create the money courtesy of the B o E!!!
It will be repaid by the tenant occupiers over the years.

Mary Latham

14:11 PM, 20th April 2012, About 12 years ago

This is interesting
OFT issues Call for Evidence for the home insulation market
25/12 3 April 2012The OFT has today issued a Call for Evidence to understand whether the home insulation market is working well for consumers.http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2012/25-12

16:29 PM, 20th April 2012, About 12 years ago

I must admit I am not aware of  a great clamour form tenants for these energy improvements.
Personally I think the money should be invested in SME businesses.
This Green Deal is not needed as is just a result of stupid EU regs
But as LL we have no choice do we.
I think it is unecessary.
I don't think it is value for money.
The obsession with CO2 is ridiculous as far as I am concerned.
China is building coal plants pumping out CO2 like it is going out of fashion.
Inmproving 682000 properties to EPC E standard will have no effect on the level of CO2
The only advantage I can see is as a way of employing lots of builders and suppliers..
From that perspective a good idea.
But I am sure people might consider a better way to stimulate the economy than handing out money to PRS LL.

Nick Lane

20:48 PM, 2nd November 2015, About 9 years ago

What about where landlord pays for the heating? Any views? We run houses converted into s/c flats. One boiler, one meter makes it economic, and heating included is a major selling point. Thsnks

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