NLA Scotland has accused the Scottish Government of failing landlords on the forthcoming introduction of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation.
With less than two months until the introduction of EPCs for Scottish rental properties, the Government is failing to meet its duty to ensure that all landlords are aware of the new regulations.
NLA Scotland is concerned that without a concerted effort to promote EPCs, there will be widespread confusion among landlords and tenants about what is required under the new rules.
From 4 January 2009, landlords who do not make an EPC available to tenants at the start of a new tenancy could be hit with a fine of £5,000 and will have committed a criminal offence.
The introduction of EPCs for the Scottish private-rented sector means that prospective tenants must be given details of the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property.
NLA Scotland, which provides certificates through NLA EPCs, is calling on the Scottish Government to promote the new EPC rules as soon as possible.
Jim Parker, Chairman, NLA Scotland, called it disappointing to see Scottish Government failing in its duty to keep landlords informed.
He added that the promotion of EPCs seemed to have been left to the commercial providers and warned that a significant number of landlords were blissfully unaware of the risks of not complying with the new rules.
"All landlords starting new tenancies will need to get an EPC or face severe penalties. If the Government does not act soon to promote the legislation, thousands of landlords could find themselves unknowingly breaking the law and fined to the tune of £5,000," Mr. Parker concluded.
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