24 June, 2010

The fifth part of our guide to letting property covers the fundamental aspects of Energy Performance Certificates.

Since 1 October 2008, whenever a self contained home is let to a new tenant an Energy Performance Certificate is required.  These certificates provide information on the current energy efficiency of a home and make recommendations on how improvements could be made.

Your Energy Performance Certificate and recommendation report must be made available free of charge to a prospective tenant no later than:

• When a viewing of the property is conducted.
• When information is provided by a landlord as a response to a request for building information from a prospective tenant.
• If none of the above occur, before entering into a contract to let the property.

The certificate is valid for 10 years.  If a new certificate for a property is obtained during this time then the most recent only will apply.
The only person that can produce an Energy Performance Certificate is an accredited energy assessor.

For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page.

Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation.