IT HAS been a requirement that anyone renting out a property has to provide the tenant with an Energy Performance Certificate.

An EPC is a certificate which shows information about the energy efficiency of the property. Each property is given an asset rating which places the energy efficiency of the property on a sliding scale. The most efficient property will be given a rating of “A”, and “G” will be given to the least energy efficient. The EPC also includes a recommendations report. Once obtained, a certificate lasts for 10 years.

However, in order to encourage landlords to make their properties more energy efficient, further changes have been introduced. From April 1, 2018, landlords of both domestic and non-domestic properties must ensure their properties reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate rating of “E” before granting a tenancy to new tenants, or the renewal of a tenancy to existing tenants.

From April 1, 2020 this standard will apply to all domestic properties, and from April 1, 2023 to all non-domestic properties, even for those with tenancies granted before April 1, 2018.

So, landlords of properties which do not meet the required “E” standard will need to get their house in order anyway, and perhaps sooner rather than later, particularly if they suddenly find themselves needing to grant a new tenancy because their current tenant leaves.

Some properties may be exempt from the requirements either because of the nature of the property or because all possible improvements have been made. Where improvements do need to be made, some assistance may be available through initiatives such as the Green Deal.

For more information about exemptions, the Green Deal and for guidance documents published by the government, search for the minimum energy efficiency standards and Green Deal at Gov.uk