London Letting Agent Welcomes Changes To EPC Regulations

Jan. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- The recent changes to the regulations regarding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for buildings are a welcome move for landlords and letting agents, according to Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings, central London’s largest independent property rentals agency.

“It’s not long since the last changes to EPC regulations in April 2012, but the new changes are a real improvement, consolidating the rules into a much simpler format,” reports to Simran Prasad, Director of Property Management.  

“Probably the most important change is that it will no longer be necessary to attach the front page of the EPC to advertisements, listings or any other written material.  Instead, it will now be sufficient to include the EPC rating (A – G) on any advertisements when a property is advertised for sale or rent.  This includes advertisements in newspapers, magazines, internet listings and any written material produced by the seller, landlord, estate agent or letting agent.”

“There will also be certain exemptions, the most important of which for some landlords is that listed buildings will be exempt from having to have an EPC when for sale or for rent,” continues Simran.  

“As before, when a building is advertised for sale or rent, the seller or landlord must make an EPC available to the potential buyer or tenant free of charge at the earliest opportunity.  The seller or landlord must also ensure anyone acting on their behalf (ie an estate agent or letting agent) complies with the regulations.  A copy of the EPC must also be supplied to the eventual buyer or tenant.  In addition, the estate agent or letting agent must ensure that an EPC has been commissioned before marketing the property for sale or rent.  Failure to do so can result in a civil penalty charge notice.”

“Many of our clients use our property management services so are able to leave issues like EPCs to us, this is particularly valued by our clients living overseas.  But from early discussions with landlords that undertake property management themselves, we’re finding the majority are happy with the new regulations in this simpler format,” concludes Simran.  

More information about the new regulations can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-the-energy-efficiency-of-our-buildings.

For free rental advice or information on property management services for London rental properties, visit Benham and Reeves Residential Lettings’ website www.brlets.co.uk