Energy Performance Certificates for Residential Landlords and Property Owners - 23/02/2009

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings and, thereby, reduce carbon emmissions. From 1st October 2008 EPC's will be required whenever a building is being built, sold or rented to a new tenant. For residential landlords this means that an EPC is required for a property which is self contained and that the EPC and recommendation report must be made available free of charge to a prospective tenant. EPC's are valid for 10 years and can be used as many times as required within that period. Only Accredited Energy Assessors can produce an EPC.

Failure to comply with the regulations could result in a £200 fine and prevent the landlord from marketing the property, resulting in void periods. In order to help landlords with the government's drive to cleanse the atmosphere, they are offering a tax allowance called the Landlord Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) that will allow landlords to claim up to £1,500 on their tax return against the cost of buying and installing energy saving items such as cavity wall insulation.

For more information, please contact Martin Ellison on 0151 236 1205.