NLA: Landlords responding positively to EPCs

News Category: Legal

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Landlords are responding positively following the introduction of energy performance certificates (EPCs) into the residential lettings market, according to the NLA.

Growing demand for lower energy bills and greener properties by tenants following the onset of the credit crunch is encouraging landlords to improve the environmental credentials of their properties, suggested NLA spokesman Anthony Zahra.

EPCs became effective in Scotland this week but were introduced into the UK private-rented market last year.

Letting agents and landlords could consider property software to ensure their operations are legally compliant, as failing to provide an EPC could lead to a fine of £5,000 per property.

Mr Zahra said landlords are making their homes more energy efficient in response to demand from tenants.

"With the credit crunch tenants are looking for lower fuel bills and landlords seem to be responding positively to this," he added.

EPCs provide tenants with an indication of a property's fuel bills and its energy performance rating, before they agree to live in rental accommodation.

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