A new date should be put into your diary if you are a landlord. From 1st October 2008, landlords and property managers will have to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC) on their rental properties before a building is let to a new tenant.

The EPCs are to give an energy rating to buildings and should be valid for 10 years. The word on the street is that there are not enough accredited domestic energy assessors around and so landlords may want to move fast so as to avoid missing the deadline.

The EPC will also be needed if the property is sold - as part of a Home Information Pack.

These regulations may be "hot air" but, without an EPC you may not be able to let or sell your property.

STOP PRESS

Seddons has been appointed as a Recognised Supplier to the National Landlords Association and recently sponsored a briefing to its members on this subject.