Blog
Landlords! Are you ready for 1st April?
- Details
- Published: 21 July 2017
Most
landlords will by now be aware of the new energy efficiency
rules for residential lettings for those who aren't quite up
to speed the RLA
have a good summary here and article here. As
from the 1st April 2018 there will be a requirement for any
properties rented
out in the private rented sector to have a minimum energy
performance
rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The
regulations will
come into force for new
lets and
renewals of tenancies with effect from 1st April 2018
and for all existing
tenancies on 1st April 2020. It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum E rating, unless there is an applicable exemption. A civil penalty of up to £4,000 will be imposed for breaches. |
|
|
|
So what does this all practically mean? Those landlords who have a property without an EPC or an EPC below an E won’t be able to renew their tenancies after 1st April 2018 without falling outside the rules. Theoretically, that means that if you allow a fixed term to roll over into a periodic tenancy prior to April 2018 you can avoid having to make any changes until April 2020. However,
this
does leave landlords open to getting a months notice from their
tenants at any time leaving them having to quickly arrange an
EPC and any necessary improvements. With
this
in mind, and without any case law, it’s a risk not worth
taking.
Our advice is that those
without an EPC (or one with a
rating below E) should take action now before they are forced
into doing so. On top of all this let’s not forget that since the 2015 Deregulation Act landlords are unable to serve a valid notice for possession without having first provided an Energy Performance Certificate to their tenant. If
you need any more guidance, have any questions or would like to
arrange for an EPC of your property give me (Nathan Gadenne) a
call on 01929 551 661 and I'd be happy to help.
|