Energy Performance Certificate- A Basic requirement for landlords
Energy performance certificate also known as EPC certificate has become one of the must haves for landlords. This has been made compulsory for domestic owners as well as commercial landlords. For constructing a building, a commercial EPC is required so as to assure the safety measures. In this article I am going to discuss the importance and the basic requirements for Energy Performance Certificate.
Going into the meaning of Energy Performance Certificate, it is a certificate issued for providing energy ratings for domestic properties (i.e. homes) and commercial properties (like companies, shops etc.) as domestic devices like refrigerators and air conditioners etc. are rated on the amount of energy they require to work. In domestic devices the main feature served by this certificate is the assurance of good quality and reliability. Since October 2008, it has been made a legal requirement for every owner to get an EPC certificate if he is in a mood of selling or renting his domestic or commercial property. Otherwise also, for people staying in their own residence, it is compulsory to take the EPC certificate.
For commercial properties, a commercial EPC certificate is issued. Whether commercial or domestic, EPC certificate is issued by an Accredited Energy Assessor firm and they are valid for next 10 years from the date of issuing. The assessor firm assesses the building on a sliding scale from A to G on the basis of the energy efficiency of the building. Most efficient home is rated as Grade A and the worst one is given Grade G. According to the recent survey, on an average rate most of the buildings have been rated as Grade D in UK. Along with rating a detailed list of ways to improve energy efficiency of the building is also provided by them to the landlords.
For domestic property, an EPC certificate is required legally. It should be presented before by the owner whenever any inspection regarding the energy efficiency of the building takes place. Moreover, while renting the property, it is the duty of landlord to give a copy of it to the tenants before getting the tenancy agreement signed up. In case of commercial EPC, it needs to be there whenever that property is built, sold or rented to someone else. All the conditions regarding this are same as in domestic EPC. The benefit of getting this certificate lies in the fact that it suggests you various ways to save energy, reduce the expenses and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in your house thus helping you improve your houses energy efficiency and gain better ranks in the certificate.
If you also want to make your property energy efficient, visit:
http://www.4agreenhouse.com/
