Since the beginning of April, private rented sector landlords have been required to meet changes to the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. The changes, which affect Chapter Two of Part Three of the regulations, came into effect on 1st April of this year.
The updated regulations prohibit landlords from establishing or continuing tenancies for properties that don’t meet the Government’s minimum energy efficiency standard. Under the 2015 Regulations, the minimum energy performance indicator for rented properties legally requiring an EPC is rating E.
Amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015
The updated EPC regulations haven’t come without warning for landlords across England and Wales. The changes follow the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations, which came into force in April 2018. The regulations applied to all residential lettings requiring an EPC, unless eligible for an exemption listed under Chapter 4 of the 2015 regulations.
The MEES regulations were implemented to prevent landlords from establishing new tenancies for properties with an EPC rating lower than E. Since the 2018 update, private rented sector landlords with F or G EPC ratings have had two years to prepare their properties for the 2020 amendments.
Under the legislation, landlords could make these improvements using either self or third-party funding.
What do the 2020 EPC regulation changes mean for landlords?
Now, two years later, the legislative changes ban landlords from letting domestic properties that fail to meet an EPC E rating or higher. This includes existing tenancies, and also applies to tenancy agreements that have been renewed or extended. Landlords who haven’t made the necessary improvements to their residential lettings – and have not secured a minimum EPC E rating – cannot legally let the rental property in question.
To make sure your rental property complies with the EPC regulations, you could consider measures such as draught-proofing, double glazing and roof insulation services.
What other regulation changes can UK landlords expect to see in 2020?
As a result of the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown, it is difficult to predict exactly which regulation changes landlords can expect to see implemented in the coming months. Landlords have been told to expect legislative changes ensuring mandatory electrical safety checks in July, although there’s a chance that the current lockdown measures might affect this.
With this in mind, landlords will need to pay extra attention to industry news to ensure they’re able to stay compliant with all new regulations.
At Bunk, we understand how challenging it can be for UK landlords to stay compliant. That’s why we match every landlord who lets through our digital lettings platform with a dedicated account manager, in addition to all the tools and resources needed to let and manage portfolios with ease.
For more information about Bunk and how we could help simplify the lettings process for you, browse our professionally-designed and landlord-approved plans online today.
