EPC question

[2020runner]

Hi all, weve been in our property for 10 years, weve got a good rent which I'm guessing is on a rolling tenancy, we signed for a year 10 years ago and that was it. We pay all costs ourselves (new boiler for example and new floorboards) and have never heard from our landlord or their agent, all good. No visits or inspections, one letter 5 years ago with a slight rent increase. Again all good

We do know that the estate owner is in poor health and have heard on the grapevine that his son isn't interested in running the estate and will probably sell.

Suddenly last week I've had a call and someone is coming to do an EPC this week.

Is this because homes legally need one? Or is it likely to be because they are future planning to sell? Or re-rent?

I think planning to sell. Why don't you try and get in first if that is an option?

All rental properties have to have a current EPC and it is likely the one for your house will have expired - they are only valid for 10 years.
He would also need one to sell the house, but it might just be him getting the rental paperwork in order.
If you are interested in buying I would make that known.

Seconding everything TheCrowFromBelow said. I’d make inquiries as to why the EPC is being updated, hopefully it’s just because it’s expired & he needs to get the rental paperwork in order.

Thanks, fingers crossed that hes just getting things right. We'd love to buy but realistically we need another two/three years to save the deposit as we've young kids and I'm only PT atm. If I get the chance I will say so though. Thanks all

www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent

Hi OP, please have a look at this document. It is a requirement that the LL provides an EPC (last 10 years) together with other things. If you haven't had an AST in the last 10 years you might want to check your LL is complying with the law.

as mentioned you really need to read your how to rent. If the landlord wants to sell (and not to another landlord) he will need to get you out via a section 21 and that means all the documents have to be correct. Section 21 will be abolished at some stage so like many landlords he's probably thinking of that.

er...why on earth did you do that expensive work on a property you don''t own? That is landlord stuff!

if the boiler is gas and you've had no visits, does that mean you've no current gas safe certificate? If so that could actually make it impossible to use a section 21.

Once you are clued up on your rights and rental law, it is a good idea to find out what is going on.

Our boiler is oil not gas

Thanks for the advice. Weve paid for things as for 10 years we've considered this our home. We know we have a cheap rent. Both sets of our parents have always rented farms and paid for everything themselves and I guess its rubbed off, we just get on.

The epc woman said they're just updating records for legalities 😁

well, everyone should be legal...but I fear your concerns may be justified. Start thinking about plan B. It is your home but cheap rent or not, you've no long term security. And I say that as a landlord - I'm not immortal...

point taken about the oil (isn't it mad that there is no similar check scheme as there is for gas, although I suppose leaking oil is different)