EPC, legionella and property compliance guides

Landlords and agents in Loughborough often want a Legionella risk assessment that is easy to arrange and produces clear, usable reporting. That is especially helpful when multiple compliance tasks are being handled together.

What matters most

• Clear reporting
• Practical recommendations
• A straightforward booking process

See our Loughborough Legionella page.

For landlords in Chesterfield, a Legionella risk assessment is usually about keeping compliance practical and documented properly. In many domestic properties the outcome is straightforward, but the review still matters.

Why landlords book this locally

• To support rental property compliance records
• To review risk points in the water system
• To keep broader property compliance organised

See our Chesterfield Legionella page.

In West Bridgford, domestic EPC demand usually comes from sales, re-lets and general landlord compliance checks. What matters most is having the assessment arranged smoothly and the paperwork returned promptly.

Typical reasons for booking

• New sales instructions
• Rental property remarketing
• Checking whether an older EPC is still valid

See our Domestic EPCs in West Bridgford page.

For landlords and agents in Loughborough, the need is usually straightforward: get a domestic EPC booked efficiently, receive the certificate promptly and keep the property moving without unnecessary delays.

Why local landlords usually need one

• Preparing a property for a new tenancy
• Marketing a property for sale
• Replacing an expired EPC

See our Domestic EPCs in Loughborough page.

If you are managing rental property in Leicester, Nottingham or Derby, the core EPC requirement is similar, but the practical need is the same everywhere: get the assessment arranged smoothly, get the paperwork back promptly and keep the property moving.

What landlords usually care about most

• Fast booking availability
• Clear pricing and communication
• Reliable turnaround on certificates
• The option to combine visits with other services

Choosing a practical local provider

For many landlords and agents, the real differentiator is reliability. A practical service that understands lettings and compliance timelines is often more valuable than a bargain-first approach that creates delays.

Domestic EPCs in Leicester, Domestic EPCs in Nottingham and Domestic EPCs in Derby.

Landlords often search for EPCs and Legionella risk assessments at the same time because both sit within the wider world of rental property compliance. They are not the same thing, but both can matter depending on the property and what stage the landlord is at.

What an EPC covers

An EPC focuses on the property’s energy performance and is commonly required when marketing a property for sale or rent.

What a Legionella risk assessment covers

A Legionella risk assessment focuses on the property’s water system and the potential risk from Legionella bacteria.

Why landlords often arrange both

Many landlords and agents use the same compliance window to get multiple tasks organised together, especially when managing tenancies, re-lets or broader portfolio reviews.

Find the right local service

DJC Energy supports landlords across Leicester, Nottingham and Derby with both EPCs and Legionella assessments.

EPCs in Leicester and Legionella assessments in Leicester.

Landlords often ask not only whether a Legionella risk assessment is needed, but when it makes sense to arrange one. The answer depends on the property, the water system and how actively the property is being managed, but in general it is best handled before it becomes an afterthought.

Common times to arrange one

• When reviewing landlord compliance responsibilities
• When taking on a newly managed property
• When combining related compliance visits
• When a property has had low occupancy or changing usage patterns

Why timing matters

Arranging the assessment early makes it easier to keep records in order and deal with any recommendations in a controlled way rather than under pressure.

Local service in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby

DJC Energy provides practical landlord-focused Legionella services across Leicester, Nottingham and Derby.

Leicester Legionella assessments, Nottingham Legionella assessments and Derby Legionella assessments.

One of the most common landlord questions is how quickly an EPC can be arranged and turned around. In practice, there are two parts to this: the site visit itself and the time it takes for the certificate to be lodged and delivered.

The appointment itself

Most domestic EPC appointments are relatively straightforward, although timing can vary depending on the size, layout and complexity of the property.

Paperwork turnaround

Clients usually want prompt lodgement because EPCs are often tied to lettings, sales or compliance deadlines. That is why clear communication on expected turnaround matters just as much as the visit itself.

Useful for landlords and agents in the Midlands

For landlords and agents in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, dependable appointment handling and prompt paperwork can make a real difference when a property needs to move quickly.

Domestic EPCs in Leicester, Domestic EPCs in Nottingham and Domestic EPCs in Derby.

A Legionella risk assessment is designed to review the parts of a property’s water system that could create a risk of bacterial growth and exposure. For many landlords, the useful question is not just whether they need one, but what the visit actually covers.

What is usually checked

• The type and condition of the hot and cold water system
• Water storage arrangements where present
• Infrequently used outlets
• Showers, hoses and other aerosol-producing outlets
• General condition, cleanliness and signs of stagnation

What happens afterwards

The assessment is normally followed by a report identifying the level of risk and any recommendations. In many domestic properties the outcome is straightforward, but it is still useful to have a documented review and clear next steps.

Why this matters for letting and management

For landlords, agents and portfolio managers, the value is in having a practical record that shows the risk has been considered and that sensible precautions have been identified.

Arrange an assessment locally

DJC Energy supports landlords and agents across Leicestershire and the Midlands with practical Legionella risk assessment services.

Read more about Legionella risk assessments or contact us.

People searching for an EPC usually want two things quickly, a clear price and a reliable appointment. EPC cost can vary depending on the property type, size, location and whether other services are being arranged at the same time.

What usually affects the cost

• The size and layout of the property
• Whether it is domestic or commercial
• Travel and service area coverage
• Whether you are combining the visit with other compliance work

What is included in an EPC visit

An EPC assessment usually includes an inspection of the property, collection of the required data and lodgement of the certificate. The final report provides the energy rating and recommendations for improvement.

Why bundled visits can make sense

For landlords and agents, it can be more efficient to arrange an EPC and Legionella risk assessment together where appropriate. That reduces admin and can simplify access arrangements for occupied or managed properties.

Need a quote in Leicestershire or the Midlands?

DJC Energy can provide straightforward pricing and practical appointment options across Leicestershire and the Midlands.

See our EPC service or request a quote.

Yes, landlords do have responsibilities around Legionella risk. A Legionella risk assessment is commonly used to show that the water system has been considered properly and that sensible precautions have been taken.

What landlords are responsible for

Landlords and managing agents are expected to assess and control the risk of exposure to Legionella from water systems in their properties. In straightforward domestic properties, this is often a low-risk exercise, but it still needs to be considered and documented properly.

Why an assessment helps

A professional Legionella risk assessment gives landlords a clearer picture of the property, the water outlets, any risk points and the practical actions that may be needed. It also creates a record that can support compliance and property management decisions.

Typical issues reviewed

• Stored hot and cold water temperatures
• Little-used outlets and stagnant water
• Condition of showers, hoses and fittings
• Signs of scale, debris or other hygiene concerns

For landlords in Leicestershire and the Midlands

If you manage rented property in Leicestershire or elsewhere in the Midlands, combining Legionella checks with other property compliance work can save time and simplify appointments.

View our Legionella Risk Assessment service or get in touch for a quote.

If you are preparing to let out a property in Leicestershire or the wider Midlands, one of the most common questions is whether you need an Energy Performance Certificate before marketing or renting it out. In most standard cases, the answer is yes.

When an EPC is usually required

An EPC is generally needed when a property is built, sold or rented. For landlords, that usually means having a valid EPC in place before the property is marketed to new tenants. The certificate gives the property an energy efficiency rating and includes recommendations that may help improve performance.

Why this matters for landlords

An EPC is not just a box-ticking exercise. It is often part of the compliance trail for letting agents, landlords and property managers. It also helps highlight whether a property may need attention under minimum energy efficiency expectations for rented homes.

Common situations we get asked about

• New tenancy marketing and re-letting
• Portfolio reviews for landlords with multiple properties
• Sales and lettings where an existing EPC may have expired
• Properties that may need broader compliance checks at the same time

Local help across Leicestershire and the Midlands

DJC Energy provides EPCs with clear advice and practical turnaround for landlords, vendors and agents. If you need to arrange an EPC in Leicestershire or elsewhere in the Midlands, it often makes sense to review any related compliance requirements at the same time.

View our Domestic EPC service or request a quote.

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Legionella Risk Assessments are carried out to assess the risk of contracting Legionnaire’s disease from water within a property. Stroma certified Legionella Risk Assessors are trained to complete these assessments to a competent level.
Domestic hot and cold water systems can provide an environment for legionella bacteria to grow and cause Legionnaire’s disease – a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling droplets of contaminated water.

Below are some important facts to keep in mind when carrying out Legionella Risk Assessments:

1. Hot & Cold Water Systems

Water should not be allowed to stagnate within the property. All outlets should be run at least once a week to avoid the build-up of bacteria in the pipework. Hot water should remain hot. Cold water should remain cold.

• Hot water should be heated and stored at 60°c and come out of the taps at 50°c after being run for 1 minute. If this is not the case, tenants can turn up the boiler/storage tank and should contact their Landlord/Managing Agent if it is on a maximum setting. The tenant should not interfere with any other aspect of the boiler settings or hot water system.
• Cold water should not be above 20°c after being run for 2 minutes.
• Any water within the property should not be discolored or contain any debris.

2. Showers

• If showers are only used occasionally, tenants should flush them through for at least two minutes every week and avoid being in the vicinity when doing so. A good tip is to place the shower head in a plastic carrier bag and run the water once the head is covered.
• The showerhead and any shower hose should be cleaned and disinfected every three months to keep it free from scale and mould.
• If a property is vacant for a significant amount of time, the hot and cold water systems should be flushed through by running all outlets for at least two minutes upon reoccupation.

REMEMBER

Legally, it is the Landlord’s/Managing Agent’s responsibility to take precautions to avoid legionella being present in the water systems. However, tenants and residents also have an important part to play in taking these simple precautions.

Have you heard about the minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) affecting commercial landlords and property owners?

Who does it affect and when?

From the 1st April 2018, MEES regulations will apply to landlords /
property owners upon the granting of a lease to a new tenant and
lease renewals to existing tenants.
In order to comply, all properties must meet MEES by undertaking
permissible, appropriate and
cost-effective improvements, unless exempt.
The regulations will apply to all privately rented properties within
the scope of the regulations from the 1st April 2023.

What are the MEES?

Under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, it is unlawful to grant a new lease or tenancy on commercial properties which have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G after April 2018.

Why?

The legislation was put into place to meet obligations to improve energy efficiency in inefficient properties under the Energy Act 2011 and to meet UK targets of CO2 reduction.

Are there any exceptions?

• Properties which are let on tenancies of more than 99 years and less than 6 months
• Any properties which have been exempt from having an EPC

What are the exemptions?

Exemptions may apply when:

• Improvements are not cost-effective, for example, within a 7 year period
• Improvements are likely to reduce the value of the property by 5% or more, or in some circumstances, damage the
  property
• Third party consent cannot be obtained for the required improvements. Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register, which is available from October 2017. Please be aware, exemptions may have associated time constraints.

What are the penalties?

Fines of up to £150,000 can be enforced, which are dependent on the type of infringement and the length of non-compliance.

Next steps

If you are an active NDEA member and have clients who have interests in the privately rented sector, inform them about the regulations and changes to energy efficiency standards. Speak to our technical team on 0845 621 11 11 (ext.610).

Things to remember:

• They will need an EPC before the next time they let out a property
• EPC rating may have decreased since improved building regulations
• They must be able to achieve an E rating OR can achieve an E rating by 2018 if a new lease/tenancy is required.

Are you concerned about the changes to energy efficiency regulations affecting
domestic rental properties?

What are the MEES and regulations?

Under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, from the 1st April 2018, it is unlawful to let out domestic properties which have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G.

Why?

The regulations were put in place to improve the energy efficiency of privately rented homes and to meet UK targets of CO2 reduction under the Energy Act 2011.

Who does it affect and when?

From the 1st April 2018, the regulations will apply to landlords/property owners upon granting a lease to a new tenant,
or lease renewals to an existing tenant.
In order to comply, all properties must meet MEES by undertaking permissible, appropriate and cost-effective
improvements, unless exempt.
Properties which are let on tenancies of more than 99 years or less than 6 months, and some regulated tenancies such as
housing associations will be excluded.
The regulations will apply to all privately rented properties within the scope of the regulations from the 1st April 2020.

Are there any exemptions?

Landlords may be exempt when:

• The property is excluded from having an EPC
• Improvements are not cost-effective, either within a 7-year payback or under
  the Green Deal
• It has been independently verified that improvements may decrease the value of
  a property by 5% or more
• Third party consent cannot be obtained, for example, from planning authorities, Landlords can lodge exemptions on the PRS Exemptions Register from 2016.

What are the penalties?

Fines of up to £5,000 can be enforced, depending on the type of infringement and the length of non-compliance. A tenant can raise a case with the First-Tier Tribunal General Regulatory Chamber if they feel a landlord is non-compliant.

Tenants’ rights

From the 1st April 2016, tenants have the right to request reasonable and cost-effective improvements to their properties, as long as there are no up-front costs to the landlord.
Next steps
If you are an active DEA member and have clients who have interests in the privately rented sector, inform them
about the regulations and changes to energy efficiency standards.

Things to remember:

• They will need an EPC before the next time they let out a property
• EPC rating may have decreased since improved building regulations
• They must be able to achieve an E rating OR can achieve an E rating by 2018 if the rental terms are
  changing, or likely to change