Paragon warns of EPC preparation

The certificates will come into force for rental accommodation from October 1 2008, meaning tenants would be able to compare properties based solely on their energy efficiency ratings.

Once purchased, the EPC is valid for ten years so if landlords don't take steps to get their property up to scratch right now, a bad rating could haunt them for the next ten years.

Landlords are under no obligation to carry out any improvements mentioned in their EPC, however it could turn potential tenants off.

Ultimately this would see impressive properties which could normally attract swathes of prospective tenants ending up with greater void periods or having to be let out for a lesser amount than desired, purely because its energy rating puts people off.

John Heron, Paragon's MD highlighted the grants available to landlords wishing to make improvements to the energy efficiency of their properties.

He advised: "If two properties are of a similar standard and rent level, then the tenant is likely to choose the property with the better energy efficiency."

Schemes offering such grants include the Landlord Energy Saving Allowance (LESA), Warm Front, Energy Supplier Grants and Local council benefits and grants.