An E energy rating: Do your properties achieve it?

An E energy rating: Do your properties achieve it?

It was recently announced that every property in the private rented sector must be E or above of the EPC scale within 3 years or they will become banned. From April 1st 2018, property professionals across the country must ensure every one of their properties available to let achieves at least a rating of E when it comes to conducting an Energy Performance Certificate. If the property fails to achieve this rating within three years, the property will be banned and made illegal. Below we’ve outlined everything a property professional can do to ensure they meet this rating before April 1st 2018.

What is an EPC?

An EPC is a legal requirement for letting agents, estate agents and landlords selling, renting or building a property and must be conducted before the property is put on the market. The EPC will contain information about the property’s energy use and consumption costs as well as recommendations of how to save energy and the tenant’s money. The EPC is valid for 10 years at a time on each individual property and if an EPC is not conducted you’re at risk of being fined.

In order to carry out an EPC an assessor must be accredited by following the advice given here.

Why is an EPC important?

EPC’s are important as they will give the tenant/owner a prospective idea of how the property performs when it comes to the consumption of energy. It will also make the tenant/owner aware of how much the property is likely to cost and how environmentally friendly it is. In order to reduce a high EPC rating of a property, advice will be given in the certification.

As well as the advice in the certification, we recommend agents and landlords consider these useful tips to reduce their property’s energy consumption to adhere to the imminent legislation change.

Insulation

Insulation is a key feature when it comes to preserving energy in the home. By installing loft and cavity wall installations, the Energy Saving Trust predicts homes will save £310 a year on energy bills. Property professionals should consider this when it comes to letting their properties, especially if your home has a high EPC rating.

Efficient and cost effective heating system

Another way to save energy is by installing an efficient and cost effective heating system to help reduce your tenant’s costs and preserve energy. These can be expensive but may prove an important factor when it comes to making your property legal against its EPC certification.

Renewables

By installing a number of renewables, such as solar panels, wind turbines or hydroelectricity your properties energy rating is likely to be low. This will not just help you, it will help your tenants and may lead them to renting your property for a longer period due to the energy cost being significantly cheaper