From 1st October landlords are legally required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for properties that are marketed to new or prospective tenants or re-let to existing tenants.

However, research by Countrywide Residential Lettings (CRL) indicates that around 50% of landlords who are actively seeking tenants do not have an EPC and are therefore risking a £200 fine. CRL, which claims to be the UK’s largest network of letting agents, is urging reluctant landlords to take immediate action and arrange for an EPC assessment.

John Hards, CRL’s managing director, warns that failure to do so may result in properties standing empty at a time when the local market is in demand and full of potential tenants.

The certificates assess the energy efficiency rating of a property by awarding an energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from A to G.

EPCs also include recommendations for improving a home’s energy efficiency and reducing fuel costs. They are valid for ten years for lettings and cost around £75 to £80.

Landlords who have tenants in place and are therefore not breaking the law if their properties do not have EPCs are also advised to act now to minimise the risk of void periods.