The Wharf: Home Front – April 17, 2008

Q. I recently heard that Energy Performance Certificates will be required on all rented properties later on in the year. Can you confirm this, and what does this mean for existing landlords like myself?

A. Correct, as of 1^st of October 2008 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be rolled out to all properties privately rented in England and Wales. The energy performance certificate will give a property a SAP rating, similar to that found on fridges and washing machines. This information includes an energy efficiency rating and an Environmental Impact (CO2) Rating. Details also include an estimate of the energy required to provide heating, lighting and hot water. Prospective tenants will be able to view a copy and compare the running costs of different properties prior to renting. You may be unaware that our homes produce over a quarter of the UK’s CO2 emissions. With Global warming and carbon footprints making headlines daily it is important that measures are taken to protect the environment. Estate Agents are able to train to become accredited assessors and will therefore be able to produce EPC’s for new and existing landlords. The only exception to the new rules is when a tenancy is renewed Landlords will not be required to produce an EPC to an existing tenant.

“I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for a very long time, as we used to work together for a number of years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the Docklands real estate market, but this is not her strongest point. What makes Dawn stand out as an agent is the effort she puts into every deal, the relationships she builds with everyone and the passion she has for what she does. Dawn and Gabriella have been managing my investment property for more than 3 years. I now live overseas and I feel so comfortable knowing they are really looking after my interest, whilst at the same time always being fair and transparent with the tenants. Nothing is big enough job for those ladies and everytime I say ‘thank you – I am so grateful for what you do’, the reply is ‘It’s my job’. I really cannot recommend this wonderful team enough!”

Daniela WeatherillOverseas Landlord

“We are incredibly happy with the service that Dawn Sandoval Residential provide. They offer a personal but very professional service, and we feel secure and confident with their management which is key when letting out a property.”

Amy Facey

“Dawn Sandoval Residential and associates have managed several transactions on our behalf, and each time they have gone above and beyond our expectations. We trust the team highly, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Neil Chinniah

“The Dawn Sandoval Residential team took the time to properly understand what I was looking for. At every stage of the process, I knew they were doing their best for me and valued me as a customer. I have no hesitation in recommending their services in the highest possible terms.”

Andrew Simmonds – Management Consultant

“Dawn Sandoval Residential offer a real personal service. Their response rates are excellent, and we have a sense that they care about our tenants and properties. We cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Cathy & Paul Betts

“Dawn Sandoval Residential have great insights into the property market in London and especially around Canary Wharf. They work very hard to understand their clients’ requirements, and we would highly recommend them.”

David & Ginette Marks