Landlords must ensure that their properties meet the minimum level of energy performance rating or risk fines, the Government has warned.
The notice comes after the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a nationwide campaign in a bid to raise awareness of renters’ rights.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the ‘energy efficiency standard’?
Since April 2020, privately rented homes must meet a minimum energy performance rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band E. It is illegal to rent out homes below that rating unless landlords have a limited exemption.
Landlords found renting a property below the threshold can be fined up to £5,000 per property or per breach.
Making improvements
You will never be required to spend more than £3,500 (including VAT) on energy efficiency improvements, unless you secure third party funding. If you cannot improve your property to EPC E for £3,500 or less, you should make all the improvements which can be made up to that amount, then register an ‘all improvements made’ exemption.
New funding to raise awareness of renters’ rights
As part of the campaign, £4.3 million of funding will also be made available for local authorities to host workshops and offer free property surveys to landlords to help them comply with their obligations.
Funding will “support landlords with energy efficiency changes”
Commenting on the campaign, Business and Energy Minister, Lord Callanan, said: “This funding will help councils to support landlords with these important energy efficiency changes, but also enforce these standards, helping tackle fuel poverty and ensuring everyone can live in a warm home with fair energy bills.”
Deputy Council Leader of Darlington Council, Jonathan Dulston, added: “We know that the vast majority of private landlords stick to the rules and provide good accommodation, but we are determined to crack down on rogue landlords who do not care about their tenants or the standard of their properties.”
Get advice today
Click here to learn more about the energy efficiency standard.
For help and advice with related matters, please get in touch with our Branch Manager, Emma Wallington, at emma@brookings.co.uk.
