My researches are that an EPC will be required for all lettings, not just those at present, and that includes the old dears and their successors remaining under the Rent Act 1977, assured, assured periodic and all the other oddities of tenure that will be likely to exist in an older mature portfolio. If your tenant declines an offer of a modern boiler/double glazing/ loft insulation/ modern LED bulbs get him/her to do so in writing which will entitle the landlord to obtain up to five years exemption, as I understand it. But we are starting on the list already because those older properties will typically be the most challenging, plenty of solid walls and stoic tenants of the old school. It is my experience that there is a degree of resistence to requests for access for such energy improvements. One lady would not have central heating and likes her ancient and long since discontinued Raeburn (even though parts are ever more difficult for us to find). The EPC assessor was prepared to do some surveying without recording the result on the EPC register until we had followed sufficient of the recommendations to arrive at a score with which we were satisfied and made us a very fair deal for a two visit test with the second one scored and registered. I would recommend finding an assessor with whom a rapport can be built so that, as with, in the old days a friendly MOT inspector you car would not be failed if one 12v bulb had blown and easily replaced at the end of the test.
EPC obligations as from April 2020 - now is the time to get started!
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I am in the process of buying an old terraced house with the intention of renting it out.
The EPC is dreadful "G" which means I cant rent it out until its improved.
I could do with suggestions as to how to improve the EPC.
Although I believe that the loft has since had insulation...13-02-2019, 14:15 PM -
Reply to Improving EPCI took pictures of insulation at the previous flat I renovated. EPC assessor was still unwilling to take them into account.17-02-2019, 16:22 PM
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I own an HMO where 2 tenants share a bathroom. I need to fit a bathroom heater on a timer to prevent condensation. Can you recommend a heater which goes off automatically with the light or after a fixed period of time to prevent tenants leaving it on permanently...05-02-2019, 11:37 AM
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Reply to Bathroom heaterClad the walls and ceilings with UPVC board. Creates a warm, easy clean surface.17-02-2019, 15:12 PM
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Reply to Improving EPCI'm a big user of Celertex on external walls, re-board, plaster and replace skirtings. Yes it is not cheap but tenants do tend to stay put as the bills are low. If you have a cellar then insulating under the above floor is a must. Take pics as you go and have them ready for the assessor to see and...17-02-2019, 15:10 PM
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If a wall with cement pointing is meticulously maintained can the freeloader be compelled to change the mortar ? even do anything. I have posted similar before but. wondered if any new members have comments or anything new has arisen. Two lease holders have alleged penetrating. Victorian building...16-02-2019, 13:30 PM
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Reply to Repair, Maintenance or ImprovementIt is random stone, rubble infill , typical Victorian. Advice of surveyor engaged by Company not accepted by 2 leaseholders....16-02-2019, 18:36 PM
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Reply to Repair, Maintenance or ImprovementI assume you mean penetrating damp? What type of brick/blockwork it it?
Are there any box gutters at roof height?
Why not get a surveyor in to give advice.16-02-2019, 17:24 PM -
Reply to Improving EPCI have a corner terraced house with 3 outside walls. The house was damp with mould on some walls and tenants were complaining of the cold. It was rated as an F. I decided to upgrade the house
I undertook a comprehensive insulation upgrade and refit which included insulated plasterboard...15-02-2019, 23:15 PM -
Reply to Improving EPCYou should be aware that EPC assessors are awkward about recognising improvements that they can't see.
Thus loft insulation is a good idea, as is a new boiler & energy saving bulbs. Maybe ask neighbour what they had done, and who their assessor is.13-02-2019, 16:38 PM
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