Eco Clampdown on landlords and fines of up to £5,000

Eco Clampdown on landlords and fines of up to £5,000

14:45 PM, 22nd October 2021, About 3 years ago 68

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New support for councils to raise awareness and enforce rules banning landlords renting homes with worst-performing energy efficiency ratings has been announced by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

Along with a campaign to fund local radio ads, landlord workshops, free property surveys and a thermal imaging drone for inspections.

Since April last year privately rented homes must meet a minimum energy performance rating of EPC Band E, making it illegal to rent out homes below that unless landlords have a limited exemption. Landlords caught failing to fulfil their obligations can be fined of up to £5,000 per property and per breach.

The £4.3 million of extra funding from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to councils across the country is designed to support them make an extra 100,000 engagements with the most difficult to reach landlords with the worst performing properties.

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.

“Heating our homes and buildings makes up almost a third of all carbon emissions, meaning raising the energy efficiency of our properties is something we all have to contribute to help us build back greener and reach our world leading climate ambitions.”

The government has set 2035 as the target for all homes across the UK to reach EPC C by 2035


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Tim Rogers

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12:10 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

I fear I may be labouring under a misapprehension.

I thought that properties in the PRS sector had to be at EPC band C by 2025 not 2035. Am I mistaken or was this a proposal that never made its way into law?

On an associated matter, does anyone know if there will be any leeway/exemption for older properties with solid wall construction. I have a 1890 built mid terrace, same tenants since 2004, I've done everything possible except build a skin wall. Everyone's happy, even the council.......

As for selling, if government plans go ahead, in the not to distant future, it may not be possible to raise a mortgage against a property with an EPC band below C. At that point you can't let and you can't sell. you may as well gift it to your tenant and walk away.

Katy Ann

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12:36 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Tim Rogers at 25/10/2021 - 12:10
Tim, that was my understanding too, but I’m also not sure if the consultation proposals have yet made it into law. I’ve also got an 1890s terrace, which will be difficult to get up to EPC Band C without very substantial cost. I thought the proposals included an exemption if the property structure meant upgrading would be unfeasible, but don’t know if/how that might apply in practice. Anyone else know?

Helen

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12:49 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Yes it looks like the 'c' band proposals are not law as yet and it is good that they are focusing on enforcing the 'E' regulation first, particularly with Social and Council Housing.

I did have a look at exemptions but the paperwork looks onerous as well as needing to pay for a surveyor to clarify the exact reasons. Good money for surveyors eh?

Tim Rogers

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12:51 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

I'm probably wrong, but I thought the PRS had to be at EPC band "C" by the end of 2025 not 2035???

Does anyone know if there will be any leeway or exemption for older housing stock with solid walls?

Seething Landlord

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12:55 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Katy Ann at 25/10/2021 - 12:36The Government response to last year's consultation is still awaited so nothing is yet certain. The proposal on which comments were invited was that band C would be required for new tenancies from 2025 and for new tenancies from 2028. To see the full details including proposed exemptions and maximum required expenditure you need to read the consultation document which can be downloaded at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes where it says that the responses are still being analysed.

Seething Landlord

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13:05 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by at 25/10/2021 - 12:49Social and council housing is not covered by the regulations.

Seething Landlord

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13:07 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Seething Landlord at 25/10/2021 - 12:55
Should have said "for existing tenancies from 2028"

Cathie

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15:03 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

I guess I am being too simplistic but can’t they just download all the EPCs for their area and anything below an E or without an EPC is then cross referenced with rental properties (which they should know from HMRC/CT data)? Then contact those landlords. Why all the extra publicity and thermal imaging drones?

TheMaluka

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15:53 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Cathie at 25/10/2021 - 15:03
Cathie, you would never make a politician - you have too much common sense.

Reluctant Landlord

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17:23 PM, 25th October 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Cathie at 25/10/2021 - 15:03
fully agree. Tempting to even email my local council with copies of the EPC's attached to properties clearly being rented and non compliant to E levels not (just cross reference to local ads/local agents etc).
Perhaps I can claim a finders fee if there is money going from central government to do this. At least I can provide evidence.....the Council produces what exactly to show they are taking the money and using it for the same purpose???

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