All private landlords must provide new tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The EPC for homes is similar to those used for white goods. They have an energy rating of between A and G, with A being the most energy efficient and G requiring the most energy. The certificate will also give information on which, if any, of the basic energy saving measures could be installed in that property to reduce fuel use, for example loft insulation or cavity wall insulation.
The energy certificate must be displayed in each rental property you own, for example next to the gas or electricity meter, and copies provided to all potential tenants before they decide whether or not to move into the property.
The better the energy rating the lower the fuel costs will be for the tenant.
As the landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that an energy certificate is produced by an accredited energy surveyor and provided for each of your rented properties.
Each energy certificate is valid for 10 years. However, if energy saving improvements have been carried out since the last EPC was created, the landlord will have the choice of having an updated energy certificate produced at any time.
Home Energy Scotland offer free advice and support to help make your home warmer and reduce energy bills. Help is available to registered private landlords looking to improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties. Please visit their landlord webpage by following the link below:
https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/support-private-sector-landlords