Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to have a certificate produced for my property?
SoEfficient offers EPCs for standard-sized housing from £50 - and discounts are available if you book multiple properties at once. We aim to offer a superlative service at a competetive rate - but should you happen to find a cheaper offer for a similar service, we would be happy to match any written quotation.

Why do I need an EPC?
Under the Housing Act 2004 all properties being sold or rented will require a valid Energy Performance Certificate. This in turn fulfils the government’s obligations under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

How often will I need a new EPC for my rented properties?
An EPC will remain valid for up to 10 years. However, any modifications to the property carried out after your last energy assessment will render your EPC invalid and you will need a new one. Such modifications could include (but are not restricted to) having a new boiler fitted, converting the loft space into a new room or rooms, having an extension built or changing the internal layout of the house (for instance by adding a partition wall to divide one bedroom into two).

The only exception to this is if the modification was included in the recommendations on your last EPC. If the EPC recommended that you install a new condensing boiler and you presented the EPC along with all the necessary proof that the installation had been carried out you could claim the higher rating without needing a new assessment.

If you sell your property within the ten years a new EPC will be commissioned as part of your Home Information Pack. However, the HIP is the property of the house seller, so if you buy a house with a view to letting it you must have your own EPC commissioned for the property before signing any tenants.

I’ve only recently bought a property and I have a copy of the EPC from the Home Information Pack. I intend to rent this property out. Do I need a new EPC?
Yes. The Home Information Pack, and the EPC it contains, is commissioned by, and belongs to, the seller of the property. In order to rent your property you will need a valid EPC commissioned by yourself.

What are the benefits to me as a landlord?
The EPC contains information that will be useful to prospective tenants as they compare one property with another, and so can help you rent your property.

As a landlord, what penalties would I face for not having a valid EPC?
As landlords will be legally required to hold a valid EPC for their property, Trading Standards will be carrying out random checks and issuing financial penalties on landlords who do not have an EPC for each of their properties.