Over the last 10 years, EPCs have done a lot to encourage the take-up of measures that save money on bills and help reduce carbon emissions. Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in August 2007 to measure the efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. They give the property a rating based on the effectiveness of its insulation, heating systems and draught proofing.
Is your EPC certificate more than 10 years old?
EPCs are valid for 10 years. This means that if you were one of the first people to get one when they were first introduced, yours may have expired. Make sure you check the date on your EPC!
When should you get a new EPC?
- If you’re a landlord, you are already legally obliged to have a current EPC to show to prospective tenants. However, it is now more important than ever that you have a valid EPC for each of your properties. New Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), will mean huge fines for landlords if their properties are not up to scratch. As of April 2018, penalties of up to £10,000 will be handed out for each property with a rating of ‘E’ or below.
- It’s not just the fear factor that should encourage landlords to get an EPC, however – prospective tenants are taking more notice of EPC reports these days, when they come to shop around.
- If your EPC is still valid, but since the survey you have made significant changes to your home, it could be worth getting a new one to reflect the changes – your rating could well go up.
If you’re a homeowner, an EPC is not obligatory, but could be helpful to let you know where you could be saving on your bills – and if you come to sell in the future, an energy efficient home will be more attractive.
Get an EPC survey
In many cases, our surveyors can be with you as soon as the next day, making sure you don’t have to wait if you suddenly realise your EPC is no longer valid. If you’re a landlord, book in now to give yourself a chance to improve your property in time for the new standards introduced next spring.
Give us a call on 0208 819 2166 or email epc@london-epc.co.uk to book an EPC survey, or if you have any questions!
Most people, whether tenants or purchasers don’t give a monkey’s about these stupid certificates. Whenever I have looked at properties they are the LAST thing I care about. It’s just yet another piece of green political nonsense from a bunch of silly politicians wanting to ‘Look Green’ and conveniently yet another attack on the nation’s favourite bete noir – the private landlord. If the government really cared so much about ‘green’ policies why did they approve a third runway for that monster polluter, Heathrow?!