Changes to EPC Legislation – 2020
If you are already a landlord, you will probably be aware of the changes to the law regarding EPC’s that came into force in 2018. This legislation set minimum levels of energy efficient standards for the private rented sector. For more information regarding the changes in law, please refer to our article published in 2018.
Further updates of the legislation were issued as of 1st April 2020 which set new minimum ratings of energy efficiency standards.
What does that mean for you?
Landlords must not grant a new tenancy or continue to let a property where the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is below the minimum permitted energy efficiency level of a band E, unless you have a valid exemption in place.
Landlords that have a property that they are currently letting or planning to let, which has a rating of F or below will no longer be able to do so, unless an applicable exemption applies. To find out the energy rating for your property, click here.
What can you do?
If you wish to rent your property out or continue to do so and it falls below the satisfactory rating you must take action to improve its rating to the minimum standard immediately or register an exemption.
Funding opportunities are available to assist in improving the energy rating of a property, click here to find out more.
There are also several types of exemption you can apply for which can depend on the property or even on your circumstances as a landlord. To find out if your property is covered by the exemption regulation MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) click here for the full government guidance.
Enforcements
Your local authority oversees the enforcement of the MEES regulations in your area with a range of powers to ensure compliance and can serve a compliance notice and financial penalties to any landlord found not to meet the MEES regulations.
Non-compliance can include one or more of the below:
Letting your property in breach of regulations as of 1st April 2018.
Continuing to let your property in breach of regulations as of 1st April 2020.
Falsifying the information supplied on the PRS Exemptions Register.
We know all the new legislation can be overwhelming, so please be assured we are here to help you. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our lettings specialist should you have any questions or require any help.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LEGISLATION CONTINUES TO UPDATE REGULARLY
The information in this post was correct at the time of publishing in 2021. Please contact us for further updates or see our latest articles on this subject. If in doubt seek professional advice to make sure you are compliant.