Landlord Responsibilities and Energy Efficiency

Due to the increasing demand for housing across Surrey, perhaps as a result of its proximity to London and availability of jobs, it’s unsurprising that the private rented sector in the county is growing. According to a recent survey of Surrey’s housing stock, nearly 17% of the county’s properties are privately rented, which creates big business opportunities for both landlords and letting agents alike.

Whilst Surrey’s privately rented housing stock does have a higher average rating (58) on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) compared to the English national average of 55, there still is an obligation for landlords and letting agents to ensure that their properties are performing to the highest possible standard in terms of energy efficiency.

Following the initial introduction of EPCs for domestic properties in August 2007 under the Energy Performance of Buildings - Certificates and Inspections (England and Wales) Regulations, for private rented properties any new tenancy that has commenced on – or after – 1 October 2008 requires an EPC to be produced summarising the energy efficiency of the dwelling, which is valid for 10 years. Failure to provide an EPC to any new buyer or tenant can result in a financial penalty.

Whilst the requirement for an EPC shouldn’t be new to any current landlords or letting agents, recent legislation regarding the energy efficiency of privately rented buildings seems to have been largely overlooked by the sector. From 1 April 2016 the Tenant’s Energy Efficiency Improvement Regulations have provided powers to private domestic tenants to request consent for improvements that may not unreasonably be refused by their landlord. Improvements of this nature – such as loft and cavity wall insulation – can be funded through national and local grant schemes, and if there is a shortfall in this funding the tenant can agree to finance this themselves.

Following the introduction of these regulations, from 1 April 2018 the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations will require all privately rented properties to be improved to a minimum EPC rating of an ‘E’, except where certain exemptions apply. Enforcement of these regulations will be undertaken by the local authority and significant contributions may be required from landlords to improve their properties to the necessary minimum standard.

How Action Surrey can help:

• Action Surrey, Surrey’s independent advice service, can access grant funding to help install these improvements for privately rented properties whilst they are still available;
• Action Surrey operate an accredited installer network to help landlords improve their properties and get competitive quotes for the improvements works;
• Action Surrey have a proven track record in helping landlords improve their properties and bring them up to the necessary minimum standard. Find out here how we helped a landlord in Guildford improve their properties.

Why wait?

Contact us now while funding is still available on 0800 783 2503 or fill out our online enquiry form here.