In Scotland, it is now a legal requirement for all landlords to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to their tenants. This document shows the energy efficiency of a property and can help tenants make informed decisions about whether or not to rent a property.
The introduction of EPCs has been welcomed by many as it will help reduce carbon emissions and save money on energy bills. It is hoped that this will also make renting more affordable for tenants as energy costs are one of the biggest expenses for renters.
EPCs became compulsory for landlords in Scotland on the 1st of December 2017 and all properties must now have an EPC rating of at least an E. Landlords who do not provide their tenants with an EPC could be fined up to £500.
If you are a tenant in Scotland, you should ask your landlord for an EPC before you move into a property. If they do not provide one, you can report them to the Scottish Housing Regulator.
EPCs are free of charge and only take a few minutes to complete.
You can get an EPC from a qualified assessor who will visit your property and carry out a survey. The assessor will then provide you with a report which includes the property’s energy rating.
How do landlords in Scotland need to provide EPCs to their tenants?
An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. It also gives recommendations about how to improve the property’s energy efficiency. The certificate is prepared by a qualified assessor.
The EPC must be given to the tenant before they sign the tenancy agreement. If the tenant does not receive the certificate, they can cancel the tenancy agreement within 14 days of signing it.
Landlords must also provide an EPC to prospective tenants upon request. An EPC is not required if a property is already occupied.
If you are a landlord in Scotland, you must ensure that your property has an EPC and that you provide it to your tenants. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £5000.
How can tenants get an EPC if their landlord doesn’t provide one?
As a tenant, you have the right to request an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from your landlord. An EPC is required by law whenever a property is built, sold or rented out, and contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs.
If your landlord does not provide you with an EPC, you can request one from them in writing. If your landlord still does not provide you with an EPC, you can contact your local authority’s environmental health department.
Your local authority will then serve a notice on your landlord, requiring them to provide you with an EPC within 21 days. If your landlord does not comply with this notice, they may be liable for a fine of up to £5,000.
Is EPC required for a rental property in Scotland?
No, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is not required for a rental property in Scotland. However, it is strongly recommended that landlords obtain one as it can help to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
Additionally, an EPC Register Paisley can be used as a marketing tool to attract more tenants. The Scotland government has an online database of registered EPC providers that landlords can use to find a qualified professional to carry out an assessment.
It should be noted that while an EPC is not currently required by law, this may change in the future. The Scottish government has stated its intention to make it mandatory for all privately rented properties to have an EPC by 2023. Therefore, landlords should get ahead of the curve and have an EPC carried out sooner rather than later.
Can you let a property without an EPC?
This is a question that we get asked a lot here at Landlord Energy. The simple answer is no, you cannot let a property without an EPC.
An EPC is required by law for all properties that are to be let on the open market- this includes private rented properties, social housing, and even holiday lets.
The reasoning behind this is that an EPC provides vital information about a property’s energy efficiency. This allows potential tenants to make an informed decision about whether a property is right for them and also helps landlords to identify ways in which they can improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties.
So, if you are planning on letting a property, make sure that you get an EPC carried out before listing it on the open market- it could make all the difference.
How long is an EPC valid for Scotland?
An EPC certificate remains valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The certificate is issued by an accredited assessor and must be attached to the property listing when the property is marketed for sale or rent. An EPC is required by law when a property is constructed, sold or rented.
Can you evict a tenant without an EPC?
The answer to this question is, unfortunately, no. You cannot evict a tenant without an EPC. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by law for all rented properties in the UK, and failure to provide one can lead to hefty fines.
So, if you’re thinking of evicting your tenant without an EPC, think again! Not only is it illegal, but it could also end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.
Conclusion
In Scotland, EPCs have been compulsory since December 2008. Landlords must provide an EPC to their tenants before the property is rented out. If a tenant needs an EPC and the landlord doesn’t provide one, they can get in touch with the Energy Saving Trust for help. An EPC is not currently required when selling a rental property in Scotland, but this may change in the future.
