Landlords and tenants 'curious on EPCs'

News Category: Legal

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Tenants are yet to choose a property based purely on the information provided in an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) but the legislation has generated curiosity surrounding a home's rating, it has been suggested.

London-based lettings agent Fitz-Gibbon said the impact of EPC legislation is "debatable", but it warned that landlords and letting agents are required by law to provide an EPC for every prospective tenant viewing a property which is being marketed, reports Thisismoney.co.uk.

"Some landlords and tenants are curious to see the current and potential energy efficiency rating of a property, and its environmental impact," said Susan Fitz-Gibbon, a partner at the lettings agent.

The business urged landlords to consult "reputable lettings agents" to ensure they meet legal criteria surrounding the use of EPCs or they could face a £200 fine for each breach.

Private landlords can currently seek tax breaks on basic energy-efficiency improvements to their rental properties under the government's Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance.

Like the use of marketing software, a good energy performance rating could assist owners of property to rent in securing tenancy agreements amid the entry of more reluctant landlords into the residential lettings market since the onset of the economic downturn.

How to stay legally compliant with letting agency software.