From October 1, 2008 all landlords in England and Wales will be required to get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their property or face a £200 penalty

You will also need an EPC when your home is placed on the open market for sale.

Under the new legislation, landlords without an EPC cannot market their property to prospective tenants.

Oxford Homes Direct, the letting specialist, has urged all landlords to understand what is required so they are not delayed in the marketing or letting of their property - which could result in a costly void period.

Simon Bayliss, MD of the firm, said, ““From October 1, private landlords offering a property for rent will be required to show prospective tenants an EPC which will detail its energy efficiency rating.

“The EPC must be given when any written information about the property is provided or when a viewing is conducted. Also, it must always be handed to the actual tenant at the start of the tenancy.”

The EPC rates the energy efficiency of a property from A–G. The certificate also offers recommendations on how to make a property more energy efficient.

“It is not compulsory to follow the recommendations, but tax savings and grants are available to landlords for improving energy efficiency. For instance, installing a self-condensing boiler; fitting energy saving light bulbs; improving roof, cavity wall and floor insulation; fitting thermostatic valves to radiators and hot water cylinders; and installing double glazing,” he said.

“We believe that as tenants become more aware of EPCs, and begin to make comparisons between properties based on their energy efficiency ratings, those that are more energy efficient will be easier to let.”

We cover a wide geographic area for EPCs including: Maidenhead, Marlow, High Wycombe, Oxford, Henley, Amersham, Slough, Reading, Bracknell, Windsor and the Thames Valley, Chilterns, and Bucks

Tedd consultancy are here to help with your EPC requirments. With our network of assessors covering the Thames Valley, Chilterns, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Surrey, and Greater London, we are expert in providing your EPC quickly and at excellent value.

Call us today with your requirements 07968 361 523