Every rented property in England and Wales will be legally required to present an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to new tenants from October 1st this year.

Caroline Pickering, chair of the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), said: "An EPC provides the tenant with a clear indication of the energy efficiency of their accommodation which can only be a selling point for prospective tenants.

"It is a "win-win" situation for tenants, landlords and lettings agents."

The NALS has offered advice on how landlord''s can improve the EPC rating of their properties.

It suggested properly insulating lofts and cavity walls, installing double glazing and replacing old boilers, as a means of improving energy efficiency.

Part of the government''s Home Information Pack, the EPC is an assessment of a home''s energy efficiency.

By 2009 all buildings in the UK that are constructed, sold or rented will require an EPC.

The EPC assessment is carried out by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and is valid for ten years.