The Energy performance certificates are required by law as of tommorrow ( October 1st) - I'm sure most landlords already know this but as recorded by countrywide lettings many landlords haven't got around to sorting it out yet.
Anyway Ive now finally got round to sorting out this government inspired ( it's not often you can marry the terms 'government' and 'inspired'.
One dilemma I had is on a block of flats I own, was, whether to cough up for all eight flats in one go or whether to do them on an as and when basis as they became vacant.
As the Energy Performance Certificate lasts for 10 years I saw the opportunity to bargain on an all eight flats one shot price.
I got all eight flats done for a straight £300 which didn't seem too bad at £37.50 each, but I will have to wait and see if the next Tory government decides to scrap them in two years time. If it does then maybe I won't see this as such a shrewd move.
Apparently many of these Inspectors aren't seeing the volumes that they were hoping for and are competing hard against each other, so landlords should be aware that it's worth pushing for bargains especially on multiple property deals and smaller properties.
Darling Margo
I'm betting on the fact that the Tories have a little bit more sense and the guts to scrap this bit of beauracracy
ReplyDeleteWell, anonymous I hope you didn't bet too much, since the Tory party has just stated that they agree with EPC's. Though, to be fair, their hands are tied as it is a European Directive stemming from the Kyoto protocol. They have to do it. So, I wouldn't hold your breath on EPC's disappearing for a long while yet. And, to be fair again, they are valid for 10 yrs and cost about £60. So, very little. I would be far more worried about our financial ties to America if I was you. This will cost you far more than £60!!
ReplyDeleteEnergy Performance Certificates are here to stay, whether landlords like it or not.
ReplyDeleteEPCs are governed by EU not UK law. It's the HIPs that the Tories might abolish. If you wanted to sell some of your portfolio then the EPC could form part of a HIP or PIP (Scotland). The rules have just changed to allow an EPC of up to 3 years old to be used in a HIP. Formally it was just 1 year - but selling just got a whole lot harder - hence the 3 year rule.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps.