Looking To Rent A Property In Birmingham?
11 January 2010
Are you looking to rent a property in Birmingham? If you are an existing or potential tenant, you should be aware of the mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and how it affects the building you call home. Fortunately, Birmingham letting agent Accord Property has compiled a handy guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) just for you...
EPC Certificates + Birmingham Property: The Basics
An Energy Performance Certificate is an information tool used to describe how your home can be made more energy efficient. It details energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions. The paperwork is usually included with a property’s Home Information Pack and assesses a property’s energy efficiency on a sliding scale. It is a legal requirement that your Birmingham landlord provide you with a copy of the EPC upon request. This is usually done at the property viewing or, upon signing a contract to rent your new home.
The EPC Ratings Systems
EPC ratings are standard across all types of property, whether you’re looking for a luxury apartment to rent in Birmingham city centre or seeking a luxury property to rent in Leamington.
A colour coded standard ratings system is used for every Energy Performance Certificate on any kind of property. This allows you to compare energy efficiency across any number of properties your Birmingham letting agent may have presented to you.
Ratings are awarded on a sliding scale of A – G. When the assessment was carried out, the energy assessor or certified home inspector will have taken into consideration factors such as the type of property, age, lighting, heating, insulation and construction. An average rating is usually around a D or E band.
Why You Should Ask To See The EPC For Your Birmingham Rental Property
Whatever the EPC rating, the letter awarded to your property is intended to help you calculate how expensive the property will be to heat. You should keep this in mind when making a rental offer as the lower the rating, the more you will have to budget for energy bills. A low rating makes a property less attractive although the EPC does also include recommendations for improving the house or apartment’s energy consumption. Your new landlord may be willing to implement some or all of these changes if you are keen to rent the property.
f you have any questions about the EPC or need help finding a property in Birmingham, Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa, Accord Lets can help. Contact us on 0121 643 9505 or visit www.AccordLets.co.uk