LANDLORDS from 1st October 2008 you will need an EPC for any new tenancies.

From 1st August 2007, energy reports will be mandatory for anyone selling a property with 4 or more bedrooms and from 10th September, for anyone selling a property with 3 bedrooms or more.

This report will tell a prospective purchaser how efficient the property is to heat, how effective the insulation is and how much carbon emissions the property adds to the atmosphere.

The overall efficiency is shown on a colour bar chart similar to that seen on a new fridge or freezer. The average rating of a new build property is also shown as comparison and the potential rating if the recommended measures are implemented can also be seen.