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Energy performance certificates - a guide for landlords

The European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) is a key part of strategies for tackling climate change. Nearly half of all carbon emissions in this country come from buildings. The principle underlying the Directive is to make energy efficiency transparent by the issuing of a certificate showing the energy rating, accompanied by recommendations on how to improve efficiency. The Directive will be fully implemented by the end of 2008.

Under Article 7 of the Directive, any building which is sold, rented out or constructed must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This must be issued by a qualified and accredited assessor in an independent manner. Once produced an EPC is valid for ten years. The certificate is accompanied by recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency. These do not however have to be implemented. This part of the Directive has been implemented into law in England and Wales by the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (2007/991)1.

This document is intended to help landlords of dwellings in the social and private rented sectors understand their responsibility for making EPCs available when renting out a dwelling.

The guidance will help landlords to understand:
• the basic legal requirements relating to EPCs
• the situations for which EPCs will be required
• at which point a dwelling may require an EPC, how to obtain an EPC and how long the EPC can be expected to be valid for
• what an EPC will contain and what the tenant will receive
• the implications for the validity of the EPC if the dwelling’s energy efficiency is improved
It should also help landlords to:
• plan for the provision of EPCs in a cost effective manner
• consider how to integrate EPCs with current stock management systems and reporting requirements
• understand the enforcement process
• be aware of potential sources of funding for improvement works

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EPCs - a guide for landlords (Gov Booklet)

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