EPC for rental?

Skint_Catt

We're trying to rent out the 'millstone around our neck' and have been told by a c0cksure agent that we need an EPC @ £70 to be able to rent the property out again.

Is this correct? I've searched for rentals online and can't see any EPC graphs on the rental property particulars. We're slightly dubious as every other sentance out of the letting agents mouth was 'oh there's a charge for XYZ....'

Hopejack

Since Oct 08, an EPC for a rented out property is compulsory - only in the case of a new Tenancy Agreement though i.e. if it was rented out before that time continuously until now you don't need one.

Sammy85_2

Yes you will need an EPC, shop around for it, you can often get it cheaper than you will through your agent.

Geenie

You will need an EPC. I paid less then that for a large five bed place, so shop around if you do it yourself. LA's are another matter as they seem to charge over the odds for everything you could do just as well yourself, if you are prepared to put a bit of work in and learn about being a LL! Then again it helps to be near, which I appreciate not all LL's are.

G_M

See here re EPC requirement. Letting agents can be cocksure but on this occassion he's right!

There's a whole host of regulations you need to comply with when you rent out, so do some research! All soft furnishings fire resistant? Gas certificate? Mortgagor's approval? Insurance still valid? Deposit..............

Skint_Catt

Thanks - we're not prepared to do it ourselves as at the mo we live an hour away but will shortly be moving 300 miles further away.

Where do I find EPC providers pls?

We have the mortgagers approval as it's been let for the past 8 years, there are no soft furnishings in the property, the gas test & electric test have already been organised as we knew these needed renewing anyway. Insurance just needs changing as it's been insured as an empty property for the last 10 months as we've been renovating.

The worst thing they are charging extra for is the inventory - £12 'per space' which will be over £100 for our property. The lettings agent for the property we actually live in did it herself but these people refuse to and tell us we can't do it 'as we're bias'!!!

pastmybest

http://www.4agreenhouse.com/residential-energy-performance-certificates.asp

Here's one for £50?

Sammy85_2

look on direct.gov.uk

I believe there is a link to approved EPC providers.

Evee2000

www.hcrregister.com The official site where you can search for fully accredited assessors.

G_M

The worst thing they are charging extra for is the inventory - £12 'per space' which will be over £100 for our property. The lettings agent for the property we actually live in did it herself but these people refuse to and tell us we can't do it 'as we're bias'!!!

Well yes - you're the landlord so of course you are biased. But the tenant has to agree/sign the inventory and he's biased too!

What matters is not who draws it up (you could ask or even pay the tenant to do it!) but that you both agree and sign it. It is, of course, also important that it is done comprehensively, otherwise it's open to dispute at the end.

Do it yourself or check out these companies...

Gorgeous_George

Try eBay or Google.

Just another cost for the poor old tenant I'm afraid.

GG