Requiring Energy Performance Certificates for Holiday Lets
Please find below the text of a DCLG letter issued on 4 February 2011 and a subsequent addendum relating to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for Holiday Lets
DCLG Letter (4 February 2011)
REQUIRING ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES FOR HOLIDAY LETS
The outcome of the consultation document ‘Making better use of energy performance certificates and data' was published on the Department of Communities and Local Government's website on 29th November 2010.
Amongst other things, it noted that it has been decided to take forward the proposal to amend the DCLG guidance to provide that an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be obtained for properties that are rented out as holiday lets for 4 months or more in any 12 month period. This change will take effect from 1st April 2011.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations
(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/991/contents/made) already include this requirement so there are no regulatory changes to be made. I am enclosing a copy of the addendum which we intend making to the DCLG guidance, EPCs for dwellings in the social and private rented sectors - a guide for landlords.
A notice will be put on DCLG's website to this effect and the addendum to the guidance will be published in due course.
Yours faithfully
Home Buying, Selling and Energy Performance Division
Addendum to Energy performance certificates for dwellings in the social and private rented sectors: a guide for landlords (page 27)
The following section:
Q. Will an EPC be needed for holiday accommodation?
A. If the agreement between the parties expressly allows for a short period of holiday occupation only and no intention to create a tenancy can be inferred, then an EPC is not required.
To be replaced with:
Q. Will an EPC be needed for holiday accommodation?
A. An EPC will be required for a property rented out as a holiday let where the building is occupied as a result of a short term letting arrangement and is rented out for a combined total of 4 months or more in any 12 month period.