Paragon warns student landlords over EPCs

Tuesday, 5 August 2008 12:00 AM

Buy-to-let investment specialist Paragon has warned landlords who specialise in student accommodation over their energy performance certificate (EPC) responsibilities.

While most students already have their accommodation lined up for their 2008/09 academic year, which beings next month, Paragon is warning many students will begin looking for the following years' accommodation in November and December.

As such landlords must have an up-to-date EPC to present to potential tenants, following a change in the law coming into force in October.

"Because landlords have secured tenancies for this academic year already, they have not been required to show an EPC certificate," explained John Heron, Paragon Mortgages managing director.

"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 EPC for their property could find themselves missing out."

Landlords without the requisite EPC will be exposed to civil and financial penalties - including being prevented from advertising their property and a £200 fine, which can be applied any number of times.

"Letting to students can be lucrative as landlords typically charge on a per room basis and the tenancy usually comes with a parental guarantee, but landlords have to comply with an increasing number of regulations," said Mr Heron.

"EPCs are a legal requirement, so it's important that they are in place to avoid delays when marketing the property."

Chris O'Toole

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