Rental Property High Energy Efficiency Rating

talksr

Hello,

I am interested in a studio flat in my local area which is up for rent at £475 pcm.
This seems quite reasonable as most are around 550 upwards.
Whilst reading through the details on the place, I noticed that it comes with a very poor energy efficiency rating of 3 which is G on the scale.

I contacted the estate agents to see what the home uses for central heating, and they have got back saying electricity.
I am guessing this is the reason for the poor energy efficiency and also maybe the cheaper rental price?

Will I be getting a cheaper rent but shelling out more per month on power bills?

Any advice would be great as this is my first ever rent

theartfullodger

Probably not: Very few tenants ever look at energy rating before taking a place (well done you did..).

I rent 4 properties, since EPCs came in no tenant has ever asked to see one..

slopemaster

Many people (amazingly) don't look at them even when buying - I had several estate agents say I was the first person to ask for it.

However, to answer your Q OP, it's prob not WHY the rent is lower, but, yes, you're likely to be paying high bills with electric heating and G rating.

talksr

Thanks for your posts. I am trying to arrange an appointment to view this evening. Fingers crossed I can get one.

theartfullodger

Good luck: Buy some thermals (or get a toy-boy/mistress [or both]...)

ognum

theartfullodger wrote: »

Good luck: Buy some thermals (or get a toy-boy/mistress [or both]...)

What ever happend to a good hot water bottle!

sirmosh

If the going rate is about £75 more then I wouldn't worry, there's no chance your heating will cost an extra £75 a month compared to other, more efficient flats.

poppysarah

Does a full EPC show previous energy use?

Look at windows - single or double glazed? Does it feel drafty. Is there a gap under the door. etc.
Where are the heaters?

cashless_wonder

Our flat has a poor energy use rating, but it's cheap as chips even if it is a wee bit nippy now the nights are closing in.

We are all electric & on the advice of the power company we pay £65 a month all year round to cover us for when our radiators are going full pelt in the depths of winter. What we don't use credit wise we will get back . . .

We've invested in a 15 Tog king sized duvet for the bedroom, extra cosy and the overhang on a double bed means no toes sticking out the end turning into ice cubes. The summer double duvet has come downstairs and we snuggle of a evening snug as bugs in a rug.


We are over £200 cheaper than similar size flats round these parts so we're more than happy with our bargain - if it means putting an extra jumper then so be it . . .

Hope that helps

mustrum_ridcully

theartfullodger wrote: »

Probably not: Very few tenants ever look at energy rating before taking a place (well done you did..).

I rent 4 properties, since EPCs came in no tenant has ever asked to see one..

slopemaster wrote: »

Many people (amazingly) don't look at them even when buying - I had several estate agents say I was the first person to ask for it.

However, to answer your Q OP, it's prob not WHY the rent is lower, but, yes, you're likely to be paying high bills with electric heating and G rating.

And that ladies and gentlemen is probably why so many people are in "fuel poverty" in this country.

talksr

[FONT=&quot]Thanks for all of your comments and help.
I went to view the place today, it is small and was not too chilly. It is not exactly a cold day today, but the windows had been left cracked open and the heaters were all set to off, it was not too chilly. Obviously, this is nothing to go by, so I have asked the estate agent to get in touch with the current tenants and see if they would be happy to give me a rough idea on their average bills so I can get a feel for what I would be paying.[/FONT]