FREE tenancy agreement
FREE landlord softwareAs a student landlord the logistics of handing out this piece of paper to any student who wants to view or is viewing a property could be potentially challenging.
Once properties are released around January 1st each year in our neck of the woods, students charge through available properties seeking the best accommodation in the area. Nearly all viewings by students are unaccompanied. The whole process from telephoning the landlord, contacting the existing tenants and viewing the property is pretty quick, often involving only a few hours or, in one case this year, a few minutes.
Student property details are published by letting agents and on County Council accreditation lists, so many students are now cold calling and missing out the contact with agent or private landlord. What if a student cold calls, without the landlord's knowledge and they didn't get an EPC?
The Government has not thought through very carefully the practicalities of this legislation. A better solution would be if an EPC were available for viewing only at the property by prospective tenants. They cannot take away a copy of the Landlord's Gas Certificate, Student Accreditation Certificate, PAT Certificate, 5 Year Electrical Certificate, Insurance Certificate etc, so why the need to take away an EPC?
When new tenants view their tenancy agreement and before signing, it is at this point that the EPC could be attached to the tenancy agreement. If the detail of the EPC, when viewed again, is a major priority for the student then it is not too late to back out before signing the contract.
Do you remember when school reports became more sophisticated? No longer just a grade C, but a long explanation on targets, ways to improve and progress. Despite this improvement to the report the parent usually looks at the grade first, not the comment. The EPC will go the same way. A much simpler solution would be to include an EPC rating in all written tenancy contracts. No written contract? Then provide a copy of the EPC before the tenancy begins.
EPC ratings are appearing in adverts - not yet compulsory. It's difficult to understand why a landlord would want to advertise that their property has an EPC rating of F, however a recent advert voluntarily displayed this information to all prospective tenants!
My solution is to leave a pile of certificates in the property and to ask the existing tenants to offer serious prospective tenants a copy of the EPC at the time of viewing. Scanning the certificate, as an email attachment to prospective tenants is another way to be explored. Any other ideas out there?
Are landlords rushing out to upgrade their old gas boiler to improve their EPC rating? The EPC could potentially discourage landlords from making upgrades to their property. The certificate lasts for 10 years, however landlords will need a new certificate and further expense, every time they make a significant energy improvement.
The location of the property - nearness to shops, pubs, nightlife, bus stops and quality of furnishings and furniture will probably feature more highly in the student's list of priorities, rather than an EPC, for a long time to come.
Special offers? My Energy Assessor charges £75 including VAT for an EPC. Can anybody beat that?
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6 comments:
Hello,
I'm a buy-to-let landlord with 5 properties so luckily I just tip over into the "buy 4, get the fifth free" type deals being offered by energy assessors. However, I do not agree with this new regulation at all.
I am also a sales and lettings agent for an estate agency in Liverpool and so far, since August 2007, have not been asked for a copy of a Home Information Pack (of which one half is an EPC).
If people about to spend £100k plus on a house without wanting to see an EPC, then why would a student, young professional, young family etc., care what the EPC is on a house? Especially if parents or housing benefit are paying for the rent?
Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that those not directly paying the rent are not environmentally-conscious but if it is between small, well-insulated, environmentally-friendly rooms or huge fully-furnished rooms with a draught, which do you think the majority will choose?
I think it's a ridiculous suggestion. At least a HIP provides more detail in terms of local searches which may be of some use (although not so far).
Landlords are being squeezed more and more with higher interest rates, deposit protection schemes and tighter safety restrictions and although i'm not whinging about the above (they are essential to separate rogue landlord's from the rest of us), I think that, especially with the current market in mind, this is just too much policing too soon.
Lastly, I am writing an article in a property magazine in the next coming months and as part of it, need to interview agents, buyers, sellers and solicitors for their opinions on the above. If you're interested (mugshot negotiable...!) please get in touch through here.
On another note, the article above mentions a 5-year electrical certificate? Do go on please!
The certificate can be emailed or printed, so its no great hardship to provide either. There's no suggestion that the certificate has to be produced in colour - the colour is just their to aid understanding. Yes all things being equal, students do want location above the cost of bills, but with the recent price rises in Gas this Winter all of us when faced with making a choice, would opt for the property with the better energy performance.
As a student landlord I understand HMOs do not need an EPC but this fact is never published except on the government website
This is a grey area for many landlords and as the rental market continues to grow, so to will HMO as Landlord split up properties to cater for the growing number of people on reduced housing benefits.
Thanks for sharing such great information on EPC blog. Booking your Commercial EPC couldn’t be easier. Unlike many companies in the industry we aren’t a panel and you will deal with the energy assessor direct. This ensures both accuracy and timing, particularly if you are dealing with larger projects or tight deadlines. Your enquiry will be dealt with promptly and one of our selected team will visit your property and carry out the Commercial EPC survey. From experience this ensures a much smoother experience for you, the client, cutting down unnecessary communications between chains of people. Your Commercial EPC certificate is valid for 10 years after the date of lodgement
Haptic EPC acknowledges the initial frustrations and logistical hurdles faced by property owners. However, our perspective emphasizes the progression and adjustments in the EPC process, highlighting how these have evolved to benefit landlords, tenants, and the broader goal of improving energy efficiency in the housing sector.
Since the introduction of EPCs, there has been a significant shift towards digital accessibility and environmental consciousness within the rental market. Haptic EPC, as a company deeply embedded in the energy performance sector, has been at the forefront of advocating for and implementing solutions that address early criticisms while advancing the utility and importance of EPCs.
Digital Solutions and Accessibility:
The advent of digital platforms has streamlined the distribution of EPCs, making it simpler for landlords to comply with regulations without the logistical challenges previously associated with physical copies. Landlords can now easily share EPCs electronically with prospective tenants, ensuring compliance and convenience. This digital shift also caters to the modern tenant’s preference for online transactions and information access, aligning with broader digitalization trends across industries.
Educating Tenants and Landlords:
Understanding the importance of EPC ratings has grown among tenants, including students who are increasingly aware of environmental issues and the impact of their living choices. Haptic EPC has been proactive in educating both landlords and tenants about the value of energy efficiency, not only for environmental benefits but also for potential savings on energy bills. This education has helped shift perceptions, making EPC ratings a more significant factor in rental decisions.
Incentivizing Improvements:
The concern that EPCs might deter landlords from making property improvements due to the need for re-certification has been mitigated by evolving policies and incentives. Governments and local authorities have introduced various schemes and financial incentives to encourage landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These incentives not only cover the costs associated with obtaining a new EPC but also contribute to increasing the property’s value and attractiveness to potential tenants.
Integrating EPCs into Rental Culture:
EPC ratings have become a more integral part of rental advertisements and decisions. Landlords now recognize the value of a high EPC rating as a selling point, distinguishing their property in a competitive market. The inclusion of EPC ratings in listings has become more common, helping tenants make informed decisions and prioritizing energy-efficient living spaces.
Future Directions:
Looking forward, Haptic EPC is committed to supporting advancements in EPC assessment technologies and methodologies, ensuring they remain relevant and beneficial for all stakeholders. We advocate for continuous dialogue between government bodies, landlords, and industry experts to refine and enhance the EPC process, ensuring it supports the transition towards more sustainable living environments.
In conclusion, while the initial implementation of EPCs presented challenges, the evolution of the process and the growing emphasis on sustainability have transformed these certificates into valuable tools in the rental market. Haptic EPC remains dedicated to facilitating this transition, supporting landlords in their compliance efforts, and promoting energy-efficient living that benefits tenants financially and contributes to broader environmental goals.
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