Minimum Energy Standards for Rental Properties

25th November 2017

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by law when a property is being rented.

As from the 1st April 2018 there will be a requirement for any properties rented out in the private rented sector to normally have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an EPC.

The regulations will come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st April 2020.

It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption.

A civil penalty of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches.

This guidance summarises the regulations:

https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/minimum-energy-efficiency-standards.shtml

There are separate regulations effective from 1st April 2016 under which a tenant can apply for consent to carry out energy efficiency improvements in privately rented properties:

https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/requesting-energy-efficiency-improvements.shtml

This could have very significant implications for landlords.

James Sellicks Lettings offer an 'Energy Efficiency Plan' to include:

• Energy performance reports for statutory compliance and marketing purposes.
• Appropriate marketing of properties available to let.
• Risk assessment across your portfolio and for individual properties.
• Evaluate the costs and benefits of improving energy efficiency.
• Advice upon current legislation and the implications for your assets.
• Quotations obtained from approved contractors.
• Instruct and manage any necessary improvement works to achieve the minimum standards required.
• Liaise with contractors, landlords and tenants to arrange the completion of improvement works.
• Implement energy efficiency improvement works prior to April 2018, taking advantage of void periods where possible.
• Negotiate and implement possible rent reviews.