UK investment landlords should not be “phased” by the introduction of new rules on energy performance certificates (EPCs), an estate agent has said.
Just eight days are left before EPCs must be made available for all new residential lets in a move designed to ensure homes are made more energy efficient.
However, assessments only have to be carried out every 10 years and any recommendations made are not compulsory.
Caroline Kavanagh, residential lettings operations director of Townends, said landlords should not expect a large amount of extra cost from the move.
She said:
“It is important that landlords don’t see this as another chore when letting their property.
“Before making any decisions, landlords should also take into account the benefits to a tenant who may prefer one property over another because of its efficiency, especially with rising utility bills being a concern for many.”
She added landlords can get tax savings and grants for making energy improvements and warned in time tenants would take more notice of EPCs in future.
Energy Performance Certificates tell prospective tenants how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G.
The most efficient homes, which accordingly should get the lower fuel bills, are in band A.
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It’s taking some time, but gradually some landlords are beginning to see the advantages of EPCs.
I surveyed 2 two bedroom houses that were next to each other – for the same landlord.
One property was considerably larger but was an older conversion, the newer , smaller property had a better EPC rating – and was able to justfiy a similar rental value because of this.