Changes to the Law…Is your Property Energy Ready?

Image

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is generally required when selling or renting a property.  An EPC is issued by an Assessor and contains information about the energy efficiency of a property using grades A to G (with A being the most efficient grade).  An EPC is valid for 10 years.

Under the new energy efficiency regulations, Landlords must now ensure any property they rent out in England and Wales meets a minimum energy efficiency standard.  The regulations apply to new domestic and non-domestic lettings and will be rolled out to existing domestic lettings in 2020 and existing non-domestic lettings in 2023.

The minimum standard introduced by the regulations is ‘E’ grade.

There are some exemptions in the regulations but these are not automatic and the criteria to grant them are strict.

Whilst it will be unlawful to let a property with a sub-standard grade, it could also make selling a property more difficult unless it is upgraded.

Landlords should be thinking now about assessing their buildings, planning for any necessary upgrades and reviewing their leases to establish how they go about this.

To find out how the regulations may affect any properties you let or own then please contact Charlotte Gooch.

23 April 2018

 

 

 

Share: