Inaccurate EPC tenants options

bennybensonbones

Hi there, can anyone help me with this problem. I moved into a property in october 2011. When I moved in I was given an EPC but have recently found out it was inaccurate due to the fact that it was based on my heating being controlled by a programmer. Unfortunately the programmer doesn't work as it should because there is a valve missing to make it work as it should. The EPC is therefore incorrect and I have ended up with a gas bill much higher than it should be. The question is what options do I have legally? I have a feeling that all I will be able to do is get the landlord to fit the proper valve but that isn't going to solve the problem of the huge gas bill I now have.

Fire_Fox

Welcome! Little you can do about the gas bill, you have used that energy. Write to the landlord and ask him to repair the programmer.

theartfullodger

When did you advise landlord (hopefully in writing or with email..) that there was a fault.. Can't see (unless he was acting knowingly fraudulently) how he can be liable from before you let him know...

When did you know about the fault??

jase_31

The energy costs of the EPC do not represent the actual costs you will incur. The EPC will usually have some disclaimers such as those below. Even if a programmer does work, then you would be too hot/too cold. It would not mean that you are getting the same heat for less money.


To enable this comparison the figures have been calculated
using standardised running conditions (heating periods, room temperatures, etc.) that are the same for all homes,
consequently they are unlikely to match an occupier's actual fuel bills and carbon emissions in practice. The figures
do not include the impacts of the fuels used for cooking or running appliances, such as TV, fridge etc.; nor do they
reflect the costs associated with service, maintenance or safety inspections.

Not all buildings are used in the same way, so energy ratings use standard occupancy assumptions which may
be different from the specific way you use your home.

whalster

Personaly I think you should take the windlow cleaner to court ! if he had cleaned those windows better more sunlight would have streamed through making the house warmer so reducing your gas bill !
Or maybe you have already got that one in hand

rpc

whalster wrote: »

Personaly I think you should take the windlow cleaner to court ! if he had cleaned those windows better more sunlight would have streamed through making the house warmer so reducing your gas bill !
Or maybe you have already got that one in hand

But that would have removed the dirt which adds to the insulation value.


IF you had reported the situation to the LL and he had not fixed it in a reasonable amount of time then there is an argument that he is responsible for your loss. However, if you did not tell him it was broken then how is he meant to know to fix it?

G_M

My interpretation was that the OP is thinking of legal action against the EPC provider, not the landlord.

But both are non-starters unless as suggested the LL has been informed IN WRITING and subsequently ignored the fault.

Surely you noticed the house was over-heated?

If not, the the programmer has NOT been causing the boiler to work overtime and use more gas....