Energy Performance Certificates for the Private Rental Market

Implementation Dates:

England & Wales - 1 Oct 2008
Northern Ireland - 30th December 2008
Scotland - 4th January 2009

Q. Is an EPC required for a property already rented?
A. No, the EPC is required for the first next new tenancy. A property already rented does not     need an EPC, nor is it required on a renewal of a tenancy created before 1st October
    2008.

Q. Is an EPC required for the Rent a Room Scheme or for a room let to a Lodger in a house?
A. No, the premises are not either self contained, or a tenancy.

Q. What about short term holiday lets?
A. No EPC’s are required for holiday lets, as they are not tenancies

Q. Does the EPC have to be renewed on each Tenancy after 1st October 2008?
A. No, the EPC will be valid for 10 years and can be used over and over again during that
    period.

Q. Who can create an EPC?
A. Only qualified and approved energy assessors can prepare Energy Assessments for the
    rental sector.

Q. What happens if I don’t have an EPC when I let a property after the 1st October 2008?
A. That will be a criminal offence which is policed by Trading Standards Officers of the Local     Authority.The fine for failing to have one is £200 per let (and per incident) and an EPC
    must still be obtained.

Q. If I had an EPC prepared for a HIP and not sold, can I still use it for a Let?
A. Yes.

Q. What if I used the EPC for a let, then decide to sell the property, can I use it in the HIP?
A. Yes, so long as the EPC is not older than 12 months at the date of completion of the HIP.

Q. Does an HMO require an EPC?
A. No, EPC’s are required only for homes which are “self contained”

Q. Are student Halls of Residence exempt, or do they require an EPC.
A. Halls of Residence are exempt (but may require an EPC called a “DEC” display energy
    certificate)

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