Moving out of halls?
It’s that time of year when the housing lists come out and the rush for student houses kicks off.
Rather than just looking at the rental cost of the house, it’s really important that you check out the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of the house as well. The EPC indicates how energy efficient the house is (A is the best, G is the worst).
Living in a F or G-rated house is likely to lead to you paying more for your electricity and gas bills than a D or E-rated house – not to mention having to live in a cold, draughty house.
The EPC is a legal requirement which the landlord should pay for and you are completely with your rights to demand to see one. If the house is cold and draughty, ask the landlord what they’re going to do to improve it before you move in.
And when you do move in, make sure you follow the simple energy saving actions encouraged by the Student Switch Off campaign (www.studentswitchoff.org) to help you to minimise your energy costs.
Also, take a Friends of the Earth survey on energy usage in your accommodation before April 11th and be in with the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher! Along with NUS, Friends of the Earth will use this information to take action, and improve energy effeciency in students' homes.