cooke painter & shepstone news

Carbon footprint tackled

Landlords are set to suffer more regulation from 1st October 2008 when the Government introduces Energy Performance Certificates to the private rented sector. From that date it will be illegal to complete a new residential tenancy agreement without an EPC. Even replacement agreements with existing tenants will be covered. One piece of good news is that the EPCs will be valid for 10 years - there was talk of them needing to be replaced every 2 years but the final decision was not to "gold plate" European Union regulations in this way. Similar rules apply to some commercial rented properties already. From April 2008 all commercial properties of over 1,000 square meters being constructed, sold or rented required an Enery Performance Certificate. This was extended to include properties of 500 square meters or more in July. From 1st October, EPCs will be required for all commercial properties unless they are 50 square meters or smaller if they are being constructed, sold or rented. Since the EPCs will remain valid for 10 years it will be important to store them safely, a service which we will be happy to provide! Please contact us if you need details of Energy Assessors who can produce an EPC for your domestic or commercial property.