Private landlords – are your properties energy efficient?

Private landlords will be familiar with the need for an energy performance certificate “EPC” for their lets.  Now they need to be ready for new rules affecting the sector as part of a drive for further energy efficiency. As from April 2020 minimum energy efficiency standards will be introduced in the private rented sector. Private rented properties will need to achieve at least EPC band E at change of tenancy from 1 April 2020, and in all private rented properties by 31 March 2022.

There are some partial exemptions including a cost cap exemption where the landlord will only be expected to pay for energy improvements up to a certain limit (at present £5,000 to reach the required band) or, in some circumstances, where the works relate to a listed building, conservation area or would disturb a protected species in which cases alternative measures may be required.  Financial assistance may be available via Home Energy Scotland’s schemes which support landlords in making properties more energy efficient.

These new rules are the next step in the government’s energy efficiency efforts and the focus on improving energy ratings will only increase in the coming years. Private rented properties will need to achieve one band higher, EPC band D, at change in tenancy from 1 April 2022 and in all private rented properties by 31 March 2025.

So, if you are a landlord in the private rented sector what do you need to do? Start thinking now about whether your rented properties meet at least band E, especially if there is likely to be a change in tenancy in the next year. Contact us for any further assistance you need in this area.

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