Member Article

Landlord Legislation Update on Energy Efficiency Regulations

Do your properties meet the new Energy Efficiency Regulations?

A deadline of has been set for landlords in England and Wales to ensure all rented properties have achieved an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of E or above.

Around one million tenants are expected to benefit from the new energy efficiency regulations, enjoying a better insulated home and saving money on energy bills. The average annual energy bill in England and Wales is £1,265 and those million tenants are paying up to £1,000 above that, according to a USwitch survey.

Speaking to The Guardian, Ed Davey, Energy and Climate secretary said; “This is a very big measure. Effectively, we’re saying, if you do not improve your property up to the minimum of EPC E rating by three years’ time, you will not be able to let out that property. Which is quite a big stick, and it’s about time too. It’s really going to make a massive difference between now and the end of the decade.

“We’re talking about the deepest fuel poverty, and we’re going after it hard, because it’s frankly unacceptable in this day and age…Not everyone in this government wants more regulation. But in energy efficiency, regulations play a crucial role.”

Energy Efficiency Regulations: Important Dates for Landlords

From 1st April 2016, a tenant living in F and G rated properties can request improvements and the landlord is then legally bound to improve the property up to an E rating or potentially face a penalty notice.

If a tenancy starts before 1st April 2018 and the property has an F or G rating, the landlord is permitted to let the tenancy continue but must complete all necessary improvements before a new tenancy commences or the existing tenancy is renewed.

If you need some advice on how to improve the EPC Rating of your properties, get in touch with the property management team at Walton Robinson on 0191 243 1000 or enquiries@waltonrobinson.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sally Bettinson .