Energy Peformance Certificates (EPCs)

Since 1 October 2008, any property offered for rent on a new tenancy requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

An EPC will show the energy efficiency of a property. It will be graded from A-G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.

The rating is based on factors relating to the property such as age, layout, construction, heating, lighting and insulation.

Only an accredited energy assessor can carry out the survey and provide a certificate, see link below.

It is a legal requirement that a copy of the EPC should be provided to any prospective tenant before any tenancy agreement is signed.

An EPC is valid for 10 years but the first tenancy should have begun within 12 months of the start date on the Certificate.

The scheme is enforced by the Council's Trading Standards department.

For further information: