[The Hodges]

I am sure that we are not the only guys on this forum that have kept and rented their house out in the UK.

I have just found out that the new legislation that brought in the Home Information Packs (HIPs) for selling a property also requires Energy Performance Certificates for dwellings in the social and private rented sectors. These are required from 1 October 2008 whenever a building in the social or private rented sectors is let to a new tenant.

Any decent managing agent should be advising you of this and I have heard that some agents are including it within their current fees, although others might charge a bit more (don't know how much a bit is!). However, some of you might have relatives or friends looking after the property back in the UK so this might affect you more.

There's more details at http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/866773.pdf

HTH.

[Rusty]

Yep, it is coming.
Although in true UK law style, no-one is exactly sure what is needed and what it will cost!
We have had differing answers from using the info from our HIP (when trying to sell) to a local lady who does it for £75 - others are charging HIP rates of £300.
Don't forget the 'moral' guidance of the electrical check and PAT testing, not law, just prefered.

[victoria24]

a little tip as I know a home inspector... their work load is really down due to the recent financial turmoil and they do negotiate. lowest for a local job is about 35 quid

[CJ22]

Yep, we have to arrange to get one done for this place that we're renting. The landlord is paying for it obviously. Presumably, since they told us which guy to go to, they've already negotiated a rate.

[JandM]

a little tip as I know a home inspector... their work load is really down due to the recent financial turmoil and they do negotiate. lowest for a local job is about 35 quidThanks for that.

[DMcG]

This is for England and Wales only.

I'll need to do some digging and see if there's anything relevant for Scotland.

Dougie