Landlords - Energy Performance Certificates

Shropshire County Council Trading Standards Service is reminding landlords that Energy Performance Certificates will be required for all new tenancy rental properties as of 1 October 2008.

From this date, landlords will be required to give new tenants a colour copy of the Energy Performance Certificate for the property. Certificates should also be available for prospective tenants to view.

Energy Performance Certificates indicate how energy efficient a property is and are being introduced to help promote energy savings initiatives. The certificates rate the energy efficiency and environmental impact of properties and are similar in format to the energy labels found on domestic appliances.

The current running costs for heating, lighting and hot water at a property are shown on the certificate and each certificate will give recommendations on improving the energy performance of a property.

Prospective tenants can see at a glance how energy efficient and environmentally friendly the property is and this may well be a factor in their decision to choose one property over another.

Landlords who do not comply with the requirement to produce energy performance certificates can be issued with a £200 penalty notice.

Landlords should take action now to ensure they are ready for the 1 October deadline.

27 August 2008