Landlords EPC’s are not required for any property that was occupied before 1 October 2008 and which continues to be occupied after that date by the same tenant.

A landlords EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained. It is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities, where a tenant has a separate contract with the landlord.

How long is a Landlords EPC valid for?

Landlords EPC’s are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant although landlords may commission EPCs for these properties at any time to prepare for a change in tenant.

If a newer EPC has been produced for a home within the ten year period, only the most recent one is valid.

What is a Landlords EPC?

Basicaly Landlords EPCs are no different to domestic EPC’s. The EPC’s look similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances such as fridges and freezers.The energy efficiency and environmental impact of your property will be rated on a scale from A-G (where A is the most efficient and G the least efficient) as shown below. Current running costs for heating, hot water and lighting will also be shown on the certificate, together with a list of recommended energy saving improvements.

The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home.  The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.

The environmental impact rating is a measure of a homes impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.  The higher the rating the less impact it has on the environment.

View example EPC        Request an EPC quote 

 What does an Energy Inspection involve?

 During the assessment the assessor will need to inspect your property and collect information. This will include external or internal measurements, details about the construction, and the type of heating/hot water used in your property. The assessor will need to access all the rooms, the boiler and the loft, and will need to take photographs of your property and items relating to the assessment.

An assessment normally takes up to 60 minutes, however complex or larger properties may take longer.

Recommendations

 Included in a Landlords EPC are recommendations for improvements regarding energy conservation. Each improvement in the recommendation report is accompanied by the typical cost savings per year as well as what the performance rating could be after improvements are made.

The recommendations within the report are split into low cost improvements (up to £500) and high cost improvements (over £500).

It also includes more advanced energy improvements that could be applied to a home to achieve the highest possible energy efficiency standards. Many of these will be more costly and have a much longer payback period.

The recommendations – do I have to act on them?

The recommendations are for you and your prospective tenant. At present there is no legal requirement to act on any of the recommendations. However, by taking on board the recommendations you are likely to improve the energy efficiency of your property thus making it more attractive to prospective tenants.

How to get a higher rating

Insulating your property is the most cost effective measure you can take.  In most cases cavity wall insulation is straightforward, inexpensive and hassle free.  An easy DIY job is to fit new loft insulation,  the current recommendation being to a depth of 270mm, and this can be done in most properties.

If your boiler is over fifteen years old it could be time to replace it, combined with modern heating controls will give you a better rating and reduce heating bills.  If space is an issue, an alternative could be to fit a combination boiler (combi) which does not store hot water in a tank but heats water directly from the cold water mains as it is used.

If you have a cylinder that stores hot water fit a hot water tank jacket.

Double glazing can be fairly expensive, however it will reduce noise and lower heating bills.

Grants

Grants for heating and insulation are available through the Government’s scheme Warmfront (England) and Heeswales (Wales) providing the tenant of the private property are in receipt of certain benefits. Grants of up to £2,700 (or £4,000 for properties with oil fired heating) are available through Warmfront, and grants up to £3,600 through Heeswales.

Tax

As a private landlord, you can reduce your tax bill if you have insulated your properties by claiming under the Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA). The current allowance is up to £1500

The qualifying measures are cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, floor or solid wall insulation, draught proofing and hot water system insulation. These measures will give your Landlords EPC a better rating.

Why would I commission a Home Condition Survey?

Houses can be money pits and buying a house is a major investment – so the homebuyer really needs to be able to make an informed decision. This is where the Home Condition Survey (HCS) comes in.

The HCS is a clear and concise and jargon free report on the condition of a domestic property.  The surveyor gives a cost effective service and will inspect and report on the property quickly, allowing the homebuyer to make a speedy and informed decision.

Delivered by specially trained and fully accredited residential property surveyors, the HCS gives the buyer a plain English, jargon-free report on the condition of the property using a simple 1,2,3 rating guide, so it is easy to understand any risks or unforeseen expenditure that could crop up.

Buying a house can be stressful and it is not always in the seller’s best interests to be fully open about its quirks and idiosyncrasies. The HCS tells the buyer about any aspects of the property that need urgent attention or which present serious faults, as well as any longer term repairs that a home owner might have to plan for.

Who can produce a Home Condition Survey?

The HCS can only be produced by fully qualified and accredited members of SAVA –an organisation which trains and accredits the work of surveyors. Homebuyers can be assured of a comprehensive report produced by a professional, trustworthy individual.

View Example HCS Request A Quote

The aim of the Home Condition Survey is to make the home survey process quicker, easier and more cost-effective for homebuyers.

Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air and convert it to useable heating. They are a proven technology and can operate in temperatures as low as -20° C.

Heat pumps can be connected to an existing heating and hot water systems, however, compared to a standard boiler they produce lower temperatures over longer periods of time. They are therefore best suited to under floor heating. This means that to heat your home efficiently during the winter they may need to be left on 24/7.

How do they work?

The principles of air source heat pumps are similar to that of a fridge or freezer. Coils are filled with a refrigerant which has a low boiling temperature, around -40° C. Because the gases in the coils are so cold, they can extract heat from air temperatures as low as -20° C. Outside air is blown over the coils which increases the temperature of the refrigerant. The gases are then compressed, increasing its temperature in the process. The gases then enter a condensing heat exchanger where they meet a coil containing part of the water in a heating system. This heats the water and in the process cools the refrigerant, starting the cycle all over again.  

The benefits

Air source heat pumps can reduce your fuel bills, especially if you are replacing an electric heating system. They require little maintenance and can reduce your carbon footprint. Compared with a ground source heat pump, there is no need to dig up your garden, therefore they are easier and quicker to install. They are fuel efficient and can be connected to your existing heating and hot water system.

The Cost of Air Source Heat Pumps

Costs for a typical system suitable for a detached home, range from approximately £6,000 to £10,000 including installation. The size of your home and how well insulated it is will determine the running costs. The price of the electricity used to power the system can be offset, typically for every unit of electricity used It produces 3 units of heat. However it may not produce actual savings where mains gas is available, as gas is about a third of the price of electricity. In the UK you may qualify for a grant of up to £1200, from the government towards installation.

To reduce your bills and carbon footprint even further, a photovoltaic system can be installed, and used to power the air source heat pumps.

Photovoltaic is the principal of capturing light and turning it into electricity. Already used in numerous applications it has proven a reliable source of energy. We have all seen photovoltaic calculators that do not need batteries. This is the same idea except on a larger scale. PV Cells are connected together into an array more commonly known as a solar panel. They are made from layers of semiconducting material, usually silicon, and when light hits their surface it creates an electric field and produces electricity. The electrical output is measured in kilowatt peak or kwp.

The benefits of solar electricity

You could be paid to generate your own electricity even if you use it. It is called Green Energy Cashback and it is paid for twenty five years for generating renewable energy from solar photovoltaic systems. Plus you can sell what you do not use to the National Grid and for this you get paid even more. For homes that are not connected to the Grid a battery system can be installed storing the energy generated for when you need it. A typical home fitted with a 2kwp system can generate around 40% of the electricity it needs each year, thus saving up to £250 of your energy costs. Of course there is also the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint, doing your bit to save the planet. On average a typical photovoltaic system could reduce the amount of CO2 your property creates from its energy use by one tonne per year.

Is a photovoltaic system suitable for my home?

Basically you need a surface that ideally faces south as this will get the most sunlight. The solar panels can be mounted on a roof, wall or even in your garden. They must not be overshadowed as this defeats the object and they will not generate anywhere near their potential. In most cases planning permission is not needed as long as they are below a certain size, but it is always worth checking with your local planning officer.

How much does a system cost?

The majority of domestic systems are between 1 and 4 kilowatts, normally costing between £4,000 and £12,000 fully installed.

Calculate my Solar Potential

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Generating  a green and clean energy source – Photovoltaic – PV.

Ground source heat pump systems do not heat a home by burning fuel. They collect heat from the Earth via a pipe or pipes buried in the ground. These pipes are called loops and contain a mixture of water and antifreeze. The fluid is circulated through these loops by an electric pump into a compressor and heat exchanger. The heat from the fluid is transferred to a refrigerant with a low boiling point. This in turn causes the refrigerant to change to a gas, which is then compressed increasing its temperature. The hot gases flow around a heat exchanger and transfer heat to the heating system. As these gases cool they return to a liquid state and the whole process is repeated.

Is it suitable for my home?

There are several key elements to consider before deciding if a ground source heat pump system is suitable. Firstly do you have a suitable garden and, does it have access for the machinery needed to bore the holes? Because ground source heat pumps produce lower heat temperatures than traditional boilers, it is essential that your home is well insulated for the system to be cost effective. Under floor heating systems use lower water temperatures, and therefore work best with this system although radiators can also be used. If replacing a coal or electric heating system, you will save on your heating bills. For homes heated by gas, ground source heat pumps are not considered as a cost effective alternative.

The benefits

Ground source heat pump systems require little maintenance and are often referred to as fit and forget. They can reduce the amount of fuel your home needs and in turn reduce your carbon footprint. If you currently use heating oil there will be no more deliveries needed. As well as providing space heating some systems can produce your domestic hot water needs.

Costs and Savings of Heat Pump

The installation costs for a ground heat pump system range approximately between £9,000 and £17,000. The size of your home and how well it is insulated will determine the running costs. Heat pumps are powered by electricity, therefore they can be combined with a solar photovoltaic array. This effectively could produce a zero carbon emission system, and a low running cost for maintenance only.

Durability

The loop buried in the garden is usually made of a high density plastic and is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years. The system has less components than a conventional systems.
A Ground source heat pump requires little maintenance.

Suspension of the Home Information Pack

 30-05-2010

Home Information Pack duties are suspended with immediate effect from 21 May 2010. This means that homes marketed for sale on or after this date will no longer require a Home Information Pack.  However, Energy Performance Certificates are still required.

Requirements after the Home Information Pack

I am just about to put my house on the market.  Do I still need a HIP?

The duty to have a HIP has been suspended from 21 May. This means homes put on the market on or after that date will no longer require a HIP. However, you will need to have commissioned, but not necessarily received an EPC before marketing can commence.

Will I still need an EPC after the suspension of HIPs?

Yes. Sellers will need to have or to have commissioned but not necessarily received an Energy Performance Certificate before marketing can start.

Whose duty is it to provide the EPC?

The duty to provide an EPC falls on the seller

When does the EPC have to be provided?

An EPC has to be available or have been commissioned before a home can be marketed for sale. It should be provided to potential buyers at the earliest opportunity and before entering into a contract to sell the property.

What is the penalty for not providing an EPC – who will enforce it?

There is a fixed penalty of £200. Enforcement of these requirements is the responsibility of Trading Standards Officers. There are also penalties for not complying with the duty to commission an EPC before putting the property on the market.

Can I reuse the EPC I received in the HIP when I come to sell my home if it (the EPC) is more than 3 years old?

Yes. Following the suspension of HIPs, all EPCs will be valid for 10 years.

Can I still rely on the HIP produced for the home I am buying?

Yes.  There is no reason why a buyer cannot rely on the documents contained in the HIP.

Will an EPC still be needed after the suspension of HIPs?

Yes. Sellers will need to have commissioned but not necessarily received an Energy Performance Certificate before marketing can start. Estate agents cannot start marketing until they are satisfied that an EPC is available or has been commissioned.

Agents will also have to include energy information in written particulars, as was the case before the suspension of HIPs.  They must do so as soon as the energy information becomes available.

Who will be responsible for providing the EPC?

The duty to provide an EPC falls on either the seller, in the case of a building being sold, or the landlord, in the case of a building being rented. In the case of new buildings the duty to provide an EPC falls on the builder.

When does the EPC have to be provided?

An EPC has to be made available at the earliest opportunity and, in any event, no later than exchange of contracts.  As soon as the EPC is obtained the energy rating or the EPC must be included with any written particulars.

How long will the EPC be valid for if it is not part of a HIP?

All EPCs for all buildings are valid for 10 years from the date that they are prepared.

What about the requirement to include energy information in written particulars?

The duty to include energy information in written particulars has been retained.  It arises once an EPC has been obtained.

Is there a time limit on this?

The seller and estate agent must use all reasonable efforts to ensure that the EPC is available within 28 days of the property going on the market.

Will estate agents have any HIP duties once they are suspended?

No but there will be duties under the EPB Regulations for agents to ensure that an EPC has been commissioned before marketing starts and to include the rating in written particulars when available.

The end of the Home Information Pack.

Pickles and Shapps announce Home information Packs are history 21-05-2010

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Housing Minister Grant Shapps have announced that, with immediate effect, Home Information Packs (HIPs) are suspended.

Presenter Kirstie Allsopp joined Mr Pickles and Mr Shapps on a visit to an estate agents in Battersea, London today to hear how the suspension of HIPs will help the fragile housing market.

Less cost and less hassle

Mr Pickles said that the suspension will show those thinking of selling their home that they can put it on the market with less cost and less hassle.

Home Information Packs will no longer hold back the housing market by forcing sellers to fork out extra cash to HIP pack providers just to be able to put their home up for sale.

Mr Pickles and Mr Shapps also confirmed that in order to help people reduce their energy bills and tackle climate change, sellers will still be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when they sell their home.

Home Information Packs and what was said

Eric Pickles said:

“The expensive and unnecessary Home Information Pack has increased the cost and hassle of selling homes and is stifling a fragile housing market.

“HIPs are history. This action will encourage sellers back into the market, and help the market as a whole and the economy recover.”

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said:

“This is a great example of how this new Government is getting straight down to work by cutting away pointless red-tape that is strangling the market.

“Rather than shelling out hundreds of pounds for nothing in return we’re stripping away bureaucracy and letting home owners sell their properties.”

Kirsty Allsop said:

“I work with people buying and selling their houses every day and I’ve seen genuine unhappiness. Today’s the day that HIPs are gone. You will not have to pay £250, or £350 plus VAT, for a piece of paper that no one will look at and will not reduce your lawyer’s fees.”

The only down side is that there are approximately 2500 providers of Home Information Packs who are now looking for alternative employment.

Home Information Packs.

06-04-2009

There are three key changes to HIPs regarding buying or selling homes in England or Wales.
1. The temporary first day marketing exemption will be removed, which means that a HIP must be available on the first day a property is marketed
2. A Property Information Questionnaire, completed by the seller, must be included in the Home Information Pack, and
3. The end of the use of insurance to cover missing data in personal searches.

These changes have important implications for industry practice in the marketing of residential properties for sale and the advice given to clients.
Ending of temporary first day marketing exemption
On 6 April 2009 the temporary first day marketing exemption will expire, meaning that from this date it will be unlawful for the marketing of a property to begin unless a Home Information Pack is available.
Therefore from 6 April 2009 marketing of a property cannot begin until the Home Information Pack is available and all the required HIP documents are commissioned and paid for, or arrangements for payment made. The following documents are a minimum requirement before marketing can begin:
• Index
• Property Information Questionnaire
• Energy Performance Certificate or Predicted Energy Assessment
• Sustainability Certificate (new homes only)
• Sale Statement
• Land Registry Documents.

Other documents for the Home Information Pack

All other required documents e.g. local property searches, lease (where applicable) should be added to the Home Information Pack as soon as they are available and must be included in the Pack within 28 days of the first point of marketing.
The order of the Pack documents must now follow the list above up to the Sustainability Certificate (if applicable) from which point the documents can be placed in any sequence.
So what does this mean for estate agents?
Estate agents need to think now about the impact of these changes on their day to day working practices and systems, particularly the mechanism, e.g. the use of property particulars, and timing by which the marketing of a particular property can begin.
What can you do?
Where on receipt of a new instruction an agent informs prospective buyers that a property potentially meeting their requirements will be marketed shortly once the Home Information Pack is available, the agent is, in the view of Communities and Local Government, unlikely to be in breach of the HIP duties so long as the particular property is not identified. An example could be a general description of a property giving details such as the number of bedrooms and reception rooms and the area in which the property is situated.
What can’t you do?
Under the new rules, the agent cannot use information to start marketing the particular property until a HIP meeting the minimum requirements is available. This includes the erection of sale boards, newspaper advertising and the automated daily uplift of information about properties coming on the market from estate agent databases to their websites and on-line property portals, which identify the property and the location.
Estate agents are therefore strongly advised to review their administrative processes and use of software to ensure they achieve compliance.
What does this mean for home information pack providers?
Agents who want marketing to begin at the earliest opportunity may request that pack providers provide HIPs with the minimum required documents (see above) and include the remaining required documents as soon as they become available. Pack providers will need to consider how to adapt their current working practices to respond to these likely changes.
Estate agents are reminded that where HIPs are incomplete it is their responsibility to ensure that the Index states which documents are missing and what steps are being taken to obtain them.
What about the new Property Information Questionnaire?
The Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) is being introduced as a mandatory requirement in the Home Information Pack for residential properties marketed for sale on or after 6 April 2009. The PIQ should be completed by the seller and must be included in the pack before marketing of a property begins.
The intention of the PIQ is to provide the buyer with a helpful checklist of information as they walk round the property. It is not intended as a replacement for enquiries made during the conveyancing process but should help reduce the opportunity for surprises coming to light further down the line as part of this process.
Estate agents will wish to ensure that sellers have access to the PIQ and are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible. The PIQ is downloadable from www.businesslink.gov.uk/homeselling
What responsibility does the estate agent have for the PIQ?
The estate agent will be responsible for ensuring that a completed PIQ is in the HIP. It is important to note that the inclusion of a blank PIQ will not comply with the HIP duties.
Agents will have no liability under either the HIP Regulations or the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 for the information contained in the PIQ, provided that the form is completed solely by the seller and the agent has no reason to believe the answers are wrong. However, if an agent does help the seller to complete the PIQ, for example where the seller is not the occupier of the property, then the provisions of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 may apply.
What about the changes to the provision of property searches?
From 6 April 2009, every property search in a HIP must be complete – insurance can no longer be provided to cover any missing data. Agents will want to assure themselves that those producing their HIPs therefore provide complete searches.
All HIP and search providers should be aware that from 6 April they must provide complete searches to comply with the HIPs Regulations
What about properties on the market before 6 April 2009?
Where a property is on the market before 6 April 2009 and the seller changes agents after this date, there is no requirement to update the existing documents in the HIP or for the PIQ to be included. However, the new agent will continue to be responsible for ensuring that the Pack complies with the HIP regulations.
Consumer Contract Regulations
Agents should be aware of the effect of the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 on certain contracts made with sellers outside the agent’s office. The Regulations could apply to a contract concerning the provision of a HIP (either from the agent himself or a third party) and would mean that, in cases where a Home Information Pack is ordered during the statutory cancellation period with the seller’s written agreement (i.e. the seven day period following the date of the contract), and the seller then cancels the contract during this period, the seller can only be charged for any costs actually incurred by the cancellation date.

Home Information Pack.

DHPI specialise in the production of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates in WA postcodes and surrounding areas. We are an independant company with low overheads which is reflected in our extremely competitive rates. Our aim is to offer a professional service with a fast and efficient turnaround.

An Energy Performance Certificate is required when selling or renting your home. Standard methods are used to produce the certificates and they have a ratings system similar to what you find on a domestic appliance. i.e. (A-G) where A is the best rating and G the poorest. These ratings show the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property., the higher the rating the more efficient the home is and the lower the fuel costs are likely to be.

The latest technology is utilised by DHPI to produce an Energy Performance Certificate. EPC’s are delivered via email within 24 hours of our suveyor inspecting your property, paper copies when requested are posted to your home address via Royal Mail.

Fast turnaround
Professional & Reliable Service
Accredited Energy Assessor
Fully Insured
Police Checked
EPC’s for Sales and Rentals

Energy Performance Certificate WA postal areas

Postcodes: WA14 – WA15 – WA16

These areas include: Altrincham, Ashley, Bowdon, Broadheath, Bucklow Hill, Dunham Town, Dunham Massey, Hale, Hale Barns, Knolls Green, Knutsford, Little Bollington, Marthall, Mere, Mobberley, Ollerton, Over Tabley, Plumley, Rose Hill, Rostherne, Tatton, Timperley and Well Green.

To order an Energy Performance Certificate either call or book online.

DHPI specialise in the production of Domestic Energy Performance Certificates EPC  in Stockport and surrounding areas. We are an independant company with low overheads which is reflected in our extremely competitive rates. Our aim is to offer a professional service with a fast and efficient turnaround.

An Energy Performance Certificate is required when selling or renting your home. Standard methods are used to produce the certificates and they have a ratings system similar to what you find on a domestic appliance. i.e. (A-G) where A is the best rating and G the poorest. These ratings show the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property., the higher the rating the more efficient the home is and the lower the fuel costs are likely to be.

The latest technology is utilised by DHPI to produce an Energy Performance Certificate. EPC’s are delivered via email within 24 hours of our suveyor inspecting your property, and paper copies, when requested, are posted to your home address via Royal Mail.

Fast turnaround
Professional & Reliable Service
Accredited Energy Assessor
Fully Insured
Police Checked
EPC’s for Sales and Rentals

Energy Performance Certificate Stockport areas

Postcodes: SK1 – SK2 – SK3 – SK4 – SK5 – SK6 – SK7 – SK8 – SK9 – SK10 – SK11 – SK12

These areas include: Adlington, Adswood, Alderley Edge, Bollington, Bramhall, Bramhall Moor, Bredbury, Brinnington, Cale Green, Cheadle, Cheadle Heath, Cheadle Hulme, Compstall, Cote Green, Disley, Doodfield, Edgeley, Gatley, Great Moor, Greave, Handforth, Hawk Green, Hayfield, Hazel Grove, Heald Green, Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Moor, Heaton Norris, Heaviley, Houldsworth, Kerridge, Lane Ends, Lancashire Hill, Ley Hey Park, Ludworth Moor, Macclesfield, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor, Mile End, mottram St Andrew, Nether Alderley, New Mills, Newtown, Norbury Moor, Offerton, Pott Shrigley, Poynton, Prestbury, Reddish, Romiley, Siddington, Shaw Heath, Stepping Hill, Styal, Wilmslow, Woodford, Woodley and Woods Moor.

To order an Energy Performance Certificate in Stockport either call or book online.