EPC legislation changes for landlords and agents

From 6th April 2012 changes to the legislation on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be introduced. These new rules only apply to properties which are first marketed for rent on or after the 6th April 2012. They do not apply if the property is already on the market for rent.

Both landlords and agents will need to be aware and comply with the new rules. Below are the key points in the new legislation:

• An EPC must be commissioned before marketing a property for rent
• An EPC should be made available within seven days of a property first coming on to the market.
• An EPC must be available to any prospective tenant as early as possible.
• Agents must be satisfied that the landlord has commissioned an EPC or has one available before marketing the property on their behalf.
• The front page of the EPC must be attached to any written particulars
• Evidence of commissioning an EPC must be available on request to Trading Standards Officers (TSOs)
• The first page of the EPC has been re-designed.

More at www.rla.org.uk