Energy performance certificates
From 21st May 2010, if you are renting out your property or selling, you will still need to provide a certificate to any prospective tenant or purchaser.
Once obtained, a certificate remains valid for 10 years.
If a valid Energy Performance Certificate still exists when changing tenants no new certificate is required. This applies to both private and social sector landlords and tenants.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) explained
EPC’s contain:
- Information on your home's energy use and typical energy costs
- A recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and save money
- Details of the person who carried out the EPC assessment
- Who to contact if you want to make a complaint
- Energy use and potential savings
EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and estimated costs of energy use with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and energy costs could be if energy saving measures were put in place.
The rating measures the energy efficiency of your home using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’. An ‘A’ rating is the most efficient, while ‘G’ is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.
The recommendation report
EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing how you could reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions. The report lists:
- Suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation
- Possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made
- How the recommendations would change the energy efficiency rating of the property
You don’t have to act on the recommendations in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.