The majority of people only find out they need an EPC when they market their homes, this is generally when the legal requirement for an energy report is triggered. For landlords, it’s the same. But landlords have a little more to think about in terms of their responsibility to their tenants, we will get onto this later.

Let’s cut to the chase. An EPC is a measure of a buildings energy efficiency on a scale of A – G  The most efficient homes i.e those with the lowest fuel bills are rated A. The average rating for homes in the UK is currently D. The graph on the front page of the report shows you the current rating and the potential rating. The potential rating can be achieved by carrying out the recommended improvements detailed within the report. The report also details the homes environmental impact, i.e the emissions of polluting greenhouse gasses into the environment. 

The energy report is valid for 10 years. If you think you might already have a report then you don’t need us! Just hit the box below and you can search the register yourself. 

With the current rise in living costs and of course the costs of utilities. the Energy Performance Certificate can be a very handy tool in helping you to establish potential savings you could make. Also, it can be very useful when you are considering moving house. It will enable you to compare your current property to one you are looking to buy in terms of running costs and also changes you could make to lower the running costs of your new property.

If you’re keen to learn more, we have some handy guides below

What is an EPC? Download your guide in the box above

THE PROCESS

If you would like to arrange for us to carry out an Energy Report on your property, just get in contact with us. Once we have established access arrangements we will:

Book the appointment directly with yourself, your agent or your tenant. Then all we need to do is attend the property and carry out the assessment.

The assessment includes but isn’t limited to:

• Drawing a floorplan and measuring the building to determine the area and heat loss perimeter.
• Establishing the age of the building and any extensions.
• The type of construction, determining insulation levels.
• The type and age of windows and doors.
• The type of space and water heating systems and what fuel they run on.
• We check the type of showers and a few other bits like the type of lighting just for good measure.
• We also take pictures of all recorded elements.

Once we get back to the office, we enter the information into Elmhurst software and produce the report. We email you a copy along with the link to the Gov. website and we can send a hard copy in the post if you require one.

Nice and simple! Our usual turnaround from visiting the property to sending the report is within 24 hours.

**Payment can be made upfront, or we can leave bank details with you. Once the report is paid for we lodge and send you the report**

We have included a really handy factsheet on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards of Rented Properties in England And Wales for you below

LANDLORD INFORMATION

There is already a lot of information surrounding the legislation available. We concentrate and what we can do for you. Our strategy is to provide a service that potentially saves you time and money.

As a landlord, you are fully aware of your obligations set out under the MEES legislation. But what does it mean in real terms? At the moment the Minimum Energy rating that your property must archive, in order for you to legally let it is a band E. This is easily achievable for most properties and most properties are actually above this rating.

Our role in delivering Energy Reports with MEES in mind is to advise as to the most cost-effective changes you can carry out that will result in the best outcome for your Energy Rating. We don’t just guess. We provide draft reports with a breakdown of the elements that have been adjusted. You can then carry out the work. Once we reinspect the property and produce the EPC we will all know the outcome.

We deliver this as cost-effectively as we can. With a charge for the initial inspection, and production of draft reports, the first being how the property rates now and a second after changes. We then offer a reinspection for a nominal fee and produce the final report.

The future of MEES – We are currently dealing with a lot of landlords that have concerns about their future obligations. There is speculation ( more of a certainty now) that the new minimum rating required with be a band C. This presents a more challenging situation, especially considering the average rating is currently a band D (It’s actually 3.2 million privately rented properties). This means the majority of rental properties will need to be brought up to speck in time for the legislation.

Many landlords have decided to make this a priority now. Rather than being tangled up with an industry trying to catch up with new legislation, as is often the case. In addition to rising fuel costs, a property with a more favorable energy rating is more attractive to tenants. Helping you attract the best long-term tenants you can. A high tenant turnover is never good, spending less than a weeks rent in order to increase the efficiency of the home you offer may well cut down on those void periods. There is definitely an argument that energy saving measures not only help the occupier of a proeprty but also the owner in terms of a sustainable, steady rental income.

For details on the minimum standards just click the 'landlord' box at the top of the page. 

Below are two energy reports, before and after minor changes to some elements resulting in a big difference to the energy rating.