Landlords across Scotland could end up with heavy fines because they have not been given enough information about the need to provide Energy Performance Certificates on their properties, according to one of the country's leading letting agents.

Braemore Property Management has said that many private landlords are still unaware of the new legislation over EPCs and could be fined after January 4, when the certificates become compulsory on every property put up for let.

Under the rules, any property that is rented out will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate - which will be made available to tenants at the outset of a new tenancy. The move means that prospective tenants will be given details of the energy efficiency and environmental impact of any property they are considering renting.

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However, Braemore, which has a portfolio of 850 properties in Edinburgh worth more than £250m, believes that the Government has not provided enough information about the new legislation - meaning that many independent landlords risk being fined up to £5,000 if they do not have EPCs in place.

Colette Murphy, director of Braemore Property Management, said: "There are a lot of private Landlords in Edinburgh and across the rest of Scotland who still do not know about this legislation and will not be aware of the penalties they face if they do not have an EPC.

"Although lettings agents like us are aware of the need for EPCs and are informing their clients about the new requirement, there’s a risk that many private and independent Landlords will not appreciate the urgency of having one of these in place when their property is marketed."

Colette argues that the EPCs will be an unwelcome extra expense for Landlords, although they could help give more clarity for tenants over the energy efficiency of the properties they are considering renting.

She added: "I can see how tenants will be interested to see a document that shows the energy efficiency of the property they want to rent. However, it is still an extra expense for landlords and many people will be unhappy at having to pay for it."

(GK/JM)