Early Bird EPC Catches The Discount
31 July 2008
LANDLORDS delaying getting an Energy Performance Certificate are being urged to act now, save money and ensure they will not have a property lying empty because they have to queue for an assessor.
From October 1st landlords and letting agents need to have an EPC before marketing a property can begin and the likelihood is there will be a mad scramble in September and not enough trained assessors to meet demand.
"With holidays and everything else going on over the summer it is likely many landlords will be caught out if they put off getting their EPC until September," said Carl Mimmack, Managing Director of Accord Lets in West 2, Birmingham and Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa.
"We have come to an agreement with two Energy Performance Assessors and are offering early bird discounts for EPCs. Landlords who fail to get their reports in time might find themselves losing rental income if they have to leave their property empty while they wait for an EPC so we suggest they get in touch as soon as possible."
Acting sooner rather than later, particularly if the property has recently been refurbished, also means it is more likely to have a more favourable rating. For example, the newer the boiler, the more energy efficient it will be.
Accord believes EPCs will influence tenant choice in the future, as energy costs continue to rise, so implementing energy efficiency measures and getting an EPC sooner rather than later will provide an edge.