Energy performance certificates 'vital' for student landlords Published: 06/08/2008

Landlords who rent property to students should prepare their energy performance certificates for the coming year, according to experts.

Buy-to-let investment specialist Paragon said that while most students already know where they will be living when the new academic year starts come September, many will start looking for accommodation for next year just two months later.

Landlords therefore need to ensure that their energy performance certificates are up to date.

This must be in time for the change in law which comes into force in October, despite the landlords not having had to show their energy performance certificates so far for this academic year.

But John Heron, managing director of Paragon Mortgages, said: "They should not rest on their laurels though and think they can delay obtaining an EPC assessment.

"Students look to secure property for the following academic year early so they don't have to worry about finding accommodation when they have the stress of summer exams, so landlords without an energy performance certificate for their property could find themselves missing out."

He said while letting out property is a "lucrative" industry, landlords are facing an increasing raft of regulations.

Mr Heron said: "Energy performance certificates are a legal requirement, so it's important that they are in place to avoid delays when marketing the property."

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