Where will tenants go when EPC work is carried out on properties?

Reply to the comment left by Slooky at 11/08/2023 - 14:41
I'm not debating that bit. My point stands if the tenant doesn't want to use the exemption.

Really, you said the landlord had a legal requirement even if the tenant didn't want the works done.

So to get back to the point you are debating. The landlord has a legal requirement but the tenant has the choice. They can either say yes they want it done or no they don't. If they want it done they should pay out of their own pocket for temporary accommodation. During the works they will not be paying rent on the accommodation where the works are being done so they should not be out of pocket. Even if they are slightly out of pocket their bills will apparently be cheaper which will compensate. In the case of EPC legislation there has never been any suggestion that the landlord should pay alternative costs. If the works required are extreme and the tenant needs to move out but the tenant refuses to move out I would suggest that the tenant is obstructing the works by his actions and therefore an exemption would be granted

Reply to the comment left by Slooky at 11/08/2023 - 14:41
I have 4 properties that need upgrading, I have spoken to the tenants and they don't want any internal work done as they work from home. I will fit solar panels and a battery (£7k) which will not cause them any inconvenience

Reply to the comment left by Slooky at 11/08/2023 - 14:59
No doubt there will soon be some cases to establish if a landlord has to pay or not. I am not sure why works to comply with EPC rules are any different than any other works required to make a property legally compliant (e.g. rewiring) so don't see why the landlord should not pay for the tenant's reasonable alternatvie accommodation.

We will have to agree to differ until there are cases offering clarity.

Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 11/08/2023 - 16:23
I agree in principle that the landlord should pay for temporary accommodation, but in reality that will not be cheap as little suitable available accommodation is available. Additionally, I don't intend to spend £1000's on upgrades where the return is so little. Eg. underfloor insulation costs £3500 and savings are in the low £100's. As for back to back and terraced properties interior insulation also makes the adjoining properties warmer at no expense to their owners.

Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 11/08/2023 - 16:38
That is true about cheaper alternative accommodation probably not being available.
Regards rewiring that's a maintenance issue surely, which has been caught by EICR inspection. So many new rules regarding electric and gas are not retrospective and therefore enormous upheaval is not necessary. Rewiring is maintenance and if required the landlord should think about a rent discount or alternative accommodation but I don't believe EPC requirements come under maintenance. Any EPC requirements are going to be an improvement to the property and while the landlord is paying for improvements I don't see why he should pay for alternative accommodation. But I agree when the legislation is finally published in detail we shall start finding out what is necessary.

I like the idea of plonking solar panels on with a battery, unfortunately my properties are flats so won't be able to do that. If the roof could take it I would probably consider it for 1 flat which gets too hot so in the future we will probably be required to fit air conditioning as per new rental reforms coming out soon which say we have to ensure the property is not too cold and not too hot. We also live on a busy road so according to the rental reforms we would have to noise reducing triple glazing! Who knows how an air con unit will affect the EPC.

Ideally with these back to back properties, insulation would be done externally a whole street at a time. That way, costs would be more manageable, and being external, no need to refit electrics, plumbing, kitchens etc. No need to rehouse tenants as no internal disruption. Ideally windows if old would be replaced at the same time - with the new windows installed to align with the external insulation and good draft sealing applied - adequate CONTROLLED ventilation is essential. Aligning with the insulation reduces cold bridging which otherwise let's heat leak around the insulation causing cold spots and risking condensation. All significant external issues need addressing like leaking gutters and damp walls and the walls need to be dry and sound before works commende. In some cases, roofs may need extending by one tile to still have adequate overhang. If feasible, such streets could be connected to district heating run off a large commercial heat pump - possibly supplemented by solar water heating, and part powered by solar panels.

Simply putting solar panels on your house, especially an old terrace isn't a guarantee for a c rating is it. Very likely significant work is needed

Reply to the comment left by clarkydaz at 12/08/2023 - 06:00
Absolutely true, fitting solar won't guarantee a C rating. However that is irrelevant as as long as I spend up to the cap I am guaranteed an exemption no matter what the rating is.

I carried out some work earlier this year. The tenant didn't want to move out as he had no where to go. The downstairs was a building site for two weeks. The tenant hated it, the builder hated it as he had to work around the tenant moving furniture, food etc. and as a result the work took much longer than it should and cost me more money. For future work I will put book tenants into a Travelodge. It will be cheaper and less hassle.