According to letting agent Leaders, landlords could face costly void periods if they wait too long before getting their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

As of 1 st October 2008, all landlords will be required to have an EPC for properties which they wish to rent. Failure to comply with the new regulations will see the landlord face a £200 fine from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Leaders has warned landlords that as the deadline approaches there could be a rush of applications for EPCs. In a worst case scenario, a landlord could be faced with having no EPC by the 1 st October and having to leave their property empty until one is obtained.

Paul Weller, managing director of Leaders, told PIN: “Our advice to landlords who are planning to market a property to let after 1 st October is to obtain the EPC for their property well in advance of the deadline. This is important because there is likely to be high demand for EPCs in the run up to the deadline and an EPC must be provided to any prospective tenant before they have viewed or committed to view a property to rent.

“Under the new legislation, a penalty charge of £200 can be imposed, which can be levied at £200 per day for the period a property is marketed without an EPC in place. Organising the EPC and having it in place in advance of the deadline will ensure there are no delays in the marketing of the property, which could lead to a costly void period.”