EPC Regulation Change…

A reminder to our readers that from 1st April 2020 there will be changes to EPC Regulations

You might remember way back in September 2017 that I wrote an article advising landlords that as from the 1st April 2018 there would be a legal requirement for any new properties that were to be rented out in the private sector to have a minimum energy performance rating of ‘E’ on the Energy Performance Certificate for their rental property, unless they were eligible for an exemption.

These regulations came into force for new rental properties and for renewals of existing tenancies with effect from the 1st April 2018, but there was also notification at this time that this would become a requirement for all existing tenancies from the 1st April 2020, giving landlords the opportunity to carry out any modifications required to make their property compliant with the ‘E’ rating. So, even if you have a longstanding tenant and they have rented your property since before April 2018, you will still need to make sure that your property complies with the new regulation.

From 1st April 2020 it will be unlawful to rent a property that breaches the requirement for a minimum ‘E’ rating unless there is an applicable exemption. A civil penalty of up to £4,000 could be imposed on landlords who breach the regulations. The guidance given here is only a summary of the regulations. There are separate regulations which came into effect 1st April 2016 under which a tenant can apply for consent to carry out energy efficiency improvements in privately rented properties.

You might therefore want to check that the energy performance rating on your rental property will meet the required ‘E’ rating so that your property complies with the new regulations by the deadline date.

If you’re not sure what the EPC rating of your property is there are several local companies who are qualified to assess properties and will be only too happy to carry out the assessment for you at a reasonable rate.