Act Now on EPC Landlords Urged Edinburgh

Act now on EPC landlords urged Landlords are being urged to ensure their properties are as energy efficient as possible, ahead of changes to the law later this year.

From October 1st landlords will have to make an energy performance certificate (EPC) available to prospective tenants as part of the letting process.

In response Paragon Mortgages, the country's largest specialist buy-to-let lenders, is advising landlords to get their houses in order.

"If two properties are of a similar standard and rent level, then the tenant is likely to choose the property with the better energy efficiency," said John Heron, Paragon Mortgages managing director.

The EPC, which is valid for ten years, will rate a property’s energy performance and make recommendations about how to improve the energy efficiency of the property.

"Landlords already provide high quality rental accommodation, but if they are looking to make improvements to the energy performance of a property, now is a good opportunity," continued Mr Heron.

"Fortunately, there is financial help for landlords and they should take full advantage of the grants available to them."

One such grant is the Landlord Energy Saving Allowance (LESA), which was introduced in 2004 and allows private and corporate landlords who pay income tax to claim back up to £1,500 per property for the installation of energy saving measures.

Another is the Warm Front initiative.

Grants of up to £2,700 are available to tenants of private landlords if they are in receipt of certain benefits – including Jobseekers Allowance, disability benefits and those over 60 - to make insulation and heating improvements to a property.

The landlord doesn’t have to make any financial contribution, only give permission to their tenants for the work to be carried out on the property.

Finally local authorities also have a range of geographically specific assistance available.

In order to discover which grants are available, landlords can visit the Energy Saving Trust website, or call 0800 512 012.