Insurance News Archive
Buy to let insurance holders question need for EPCs
Landlords with buy to let insurance cover have questioned the need for energy performance certificates (EPCs), saying tenants are not taking any notice of them.
The National Landlords Association (NLA) reported that a significant proportion of private-residential proprietors calling its advice line said tenancies do not consider the information contained in the document, which is a legal requirement for most rented properties.
"What has become apparent is that tenants don't seem to be interested in them, or use them as a deciding factor in choosing a rental property," said Sussanne Chambers, a director with the NLA.
According to the organisation, many tenants are not aware of law regarding EPCs.
The NLA said the fact that many homes receive a 'D' grade, which is at the lower end of the scale, suggests that renters are not concerned with the energy efficiency of a property.
This contradicts comments made by many industry commentators when EPCs first became compulsory, who suggested that the documents could become an important marketing tool.
30 Jul 2009
