Energy certificates need greater promotion

(I-Newswire) August 13, 2009 - Many property landlords do not see the need for the energy performance certificates (EPCs) that are required by law for residential tenancies in England and Wales.

EPCs, which became compulsory in October 2008 for all buildings that are to be sold or rented, provide important information on a property's energy efficiency and give an energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from 'A' (the most efficient) to 'G'.

However, many tenants are unaware of the law requiring an EPC, and even if a property receives a low grade, this seems to not generally affect a tenant's decision on whether to take the property. The National Landlords Association, the UK's leading representative organization for private landlords, reports that EPCs are of relatively minor concern for tenants, often at the bottom of their list of requirements for a property.

And since tenants are largely ignoring the information given in EPCs, landlords see the certificates as a waste of time. Susanne Chambers, a director of the NLA, said, 'It seems many landlords are left wondering about the effectiveness of an EPC. What has become apparent is that tenants don't seem to be interested in them, or [don't] use them as a deciding factor in choosing a rental property,'

But there is also evidence that many owners do find EPCs useful. The latest YouGov survey on home information packs (HIPs) showed that 30% of owners act on the recommendations given in the EPC. The managing director of Hips.co.uk, Jon Evans, said that the property industry should help to increase awareness of EPCs and promote their benefits.

"Tenants and landlords can also benefit financially from the environmental advice found in the report," he said. "For example, simply insulating the loft can save over �500 in energy bills on the average four bed house."

An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years. It is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.




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