Blog
Landlords – How green is your EPC?
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
In recent years there have been many changes to legislation and best practice within the lettings sector affecting both lettings agents and landlords. Many more changes, such as those affecting Energy Performance ratings, are part of an ongoing plan to protect tenants and encourage both landlords and agents to raise their standards. The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 (Parts 1 and 2) come into force on 1st April 2016 and apply to domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales.
With effect from 1st April tenants will be able to request consent from their landlords to carry out energy efficiency improvements to privately rented properties. Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse consent. It will be up to the tenants to fund the works and the intention is that no upfront costs should fall on the landlord, unless the landlord agrees to contribute.
From April 2018 separate regulations require properties to have an E rating or better on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and energy improvements will need to be carried out to achieve this, otherwise a penalty of up to £4,000 may be imposed. Energy improvement works take time to complete so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. The Frost Partnership can advise on what may be required, so that you can start factoring in additional costs and plan for minimal disruption.
It is both complex and time consuming keeping up with new legislation so make sure that you are with a reputable ARLA lettings agent like The Frost Partnership who can guide you through the changes and ensure you are fully prepared for any new regulations.
Chris Cotton, Lettings Manager for Middlesex at The Frost Partnership explains, “Frosts is an independent family owned network with a commitment to quality service for our clients. Throughout the tenancy, we help our landlords with new legislation and their responsibilities. We handle everything from finding quality tenants, contracts and compliance with legislation to property maintenance, right through to the end of a tenancy. What’s more with our Tenancy Deposit Scheme and FREE 12 month rent guarantee cover your investment is in safe hands.”
For more information and advice on EPCs click here.
