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Latest News:
The implementation date for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is slowly but surely getting closer. The all important dates are June 2007 for buy-to-let sales, and an anticipated date of October 2008 for the private rental sector.
Property will be rated on an A (good) to G (bad) basis along the lines of the energy rating for white goods. It will be based on factors such as the annual running costs of the property (space heating, water heating and lighting) and carbon emissions. For a sample certificate see the link at the bottom of this page.
The implications for private landlords are that an EPC;
- will be required on marketing the property
- can only be produced by a qualified person
- should be available to perspective tenants to view - tenants therefore will be aware of low or high running costs
- should cost around £125-£150 (note that this figure is an estimate)
- will be valid for 10 years unless the property is sold
The energy rating will be calculated using a 'reduced data standard assessment procedure' and you can assume that RDSAP; likes gas heating, does not like peak rate electric heating, storage heating is OK if insulation is good, insulation levels are important (hot water tank jacket, loft and cavity wall insulation).
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The scheme offers a variety
of services to landlords to help them make their homes cheaper
to run and more attractive to rent. The scheme is being actively
promoted in Kent but assistance is available to Landlords
across the UK. Here is a description
of the assistance available through the project:
 Discounts
on installations of home energy efficiency measures
We can provide home loft or cavity wall insulation
and heating systems for landlords. Insulation is available
for as little as £200-300
(or free for landlords with tenants receiving means-tested
benefits)
through
a special
arrangement with a network of local installers. We also check
all heating quotes made against the discounted pricing structure
agreed with our tendered installer
network. For more information
call
us on 0800 358
6669.
Discounted
membership of the Southern Private Landlords
Association.
Anyone who goes ahead with an installation through the above
will receive 50% off one year's annual membership to the
Southern Private Landlords Association. Membership offers
landlords convenient access to a range of information, advice,
services and support. For more information visit www.spla.co.uk.
Tenant
fact sheets - help tenants look after your property!
We have produced fact sheets aimed at tenants.
They explain how to get the best out of the existing heating
system and how to reduce condensation. The sheets are titled;
- Condensation, damp and mould (pdf)
- Controls on gas heating systems (pdf)
- Controls on electric heating systems (pdf)
These are also available as hard copies by telephoning 0800
358 6669.
An information resource about the various energy efficiency
issues that affect Landlords
Download our information pack about:
How
energy efficient is your rental property?
We are offering in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust
an opportunity for you to receive a free energy report either
returned to you as a PDF or through the post. You simply complete
the on-line questionnaire and the report is produced. For
more information please go to www.est.org.uk/check
Letting agents in Kent support energy saving
Nearly 20 letting agents are supporting the energy saving initiative through making available the scheme literature to landlords and tenants. The list of letting agents is below;
Canterbury City Council area
Regal Lettings
Dover District Council area
Time to Let
Gravesham Borough Council area
Sealeys Letting Agents Limited
Maidstone Borough Council area
Phoenix Property Management
Medway Council area
Wright & Co
Sevenoaks District Council area
Savills
Thanet District Council area
Cooke and Co Estate Agents
Gableson Property Services Ltd
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council area
Ashton Burkinshaw
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council area
Ellis & Co
Links
A sample Energy Performance Certificate is available at
www.communities.gov.uk/pub/761/EnergyPerformanceCertificateSample_id1500761.pdf
For more information about any of the
above call us on 0800 358 6669 or email mike@cen.org.uk.
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