We're very seldom asked by prospective tenants what energy rating a property has. They're generally more interested in location and what the kitchen and bathroom are like, and of course what the rent is. People often ask what the heating bills are like, but oddly seem to take little interest in the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) which sets out indicative heating costs for the property "if occupied by a typical family with a typical lifestyle". Perhaps there's just general lack of awareness of EPCs and what they're all about.
As you're probably aware, it became mandatory in 2009 for all properties advertised for rent to have a valid EPC and for an abbreviated copy of the EPC to be "affixed" to the property. From today (9 January 2013) some further requirements become effective:
- A copy of the EPC must be made available free of charge to all prospective tenants. At Simply Let, we'll issue this by e-mail to prospective tenants and our new website (ready soon) will allow this to be downloaded.
- All advertisements offering property for rent must display the energy rating for the property. This includes newspaper advertisements, property particulars and internet advertising.
We've been doing this for some time now, so no great change there. However, sometimes access to carry out the energy survey is not possible for a number of reasons and we find ouresleves posting properties on the website for a while with "TBC" against the EPC Rating. That will have to stop.
There seems to be confusion in England about the equivalent ramping up there of the EPC requirement, with agents scratching their heads over what information needs to be set out in property ads. Thankfully the Scottish requirements seem more straightforward.
