EPC's

just an imageUSEFUL LINKS:

www.warmfront.co.uk

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

www.direct.gov.uk

www.est.org.uk/myhome/gid

www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2004/revbn31.htm

www.nalscheme.co.uk

Dear Landlord

If you need assistance then either;
Call our letting number 0161 485 4778
Or please fill out our letting enquiry form and we will contact you immediately.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) – 1st October 2008

As you will be aware from press coverage, under government legislation EPC’s become mandatory for let properties from 1st October 2008. From that date it will be illegal to market or let a property without a valid EPC already in place.

Good news - unlike EPC’s for house sales, EPC’s for let properties will have a lifespan of 10 years & also grants may be available to carry out improvement works if you wish to. In the future landlords may be able to use energy efficiency as a tool to market their properties. If energy prices keep rising tenants may well start to consider the energy efficiency of a property when choosing to rent.

Bad news – a small extra cost will be incurred by landlords once every 10 years but more importantly if there is any delay getting an EPC done when your property next becomes available to let, we will be unable to market (advertise in any way) or let your property and that may well cause empty periods. Given the average rents in this area, empty periods typically lose the landlord £125+ per week of rent so this is where the real cost could lie for landlords if they or their agents are poorly prepared.

We have been developing our plan to manage the process and have looked at different providers for the best balance of service, cost and efficiency. We have purchased EPC leaflets from the National Approved Lettings Scheme to send to all our landlords and information is available on-line (see EPC tab on our website for links).

To ensure the remarketing of your property is not delayed by the lack of an EPC when tenants give notice to leave, we will get your EPC’s done without delay and have them in place by 1 Oct 08; we plan to start soon. (Whilst not mandatory until a tenancy changes we don’t want to be unable to market when we get notice from your tenant so we won’t delay).

As you can imagine, with access arrangements, tracking, paperwork and coordination this is a huge undertaking. However, once done we will have ensured your property is ready to be remarketed the moment your current tenants give notice and you’re not at the mercy of the availability, or otherwise, of EPC providers at that point in time (bear in mind they are going to be very busy after 1 Oct).

We are finalising our choice of EPC provider from our shortlist and we hope to secure a commitment from a provider that meets all requirements at £75 incl VAT per EPC.

We trust you will pleased with our progress to date and the information provided. If you have any queries please email me at jim.mitchell@belvoirlettings.com.

Jim Mitchell
Director