New EPC minimum energy efficiency standards are coming into force. Read our latest article which helps Sheffield’s landlords comply with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations.
WHAT IS AN ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)?
An EPC provides information about a property’s energy use, typical energy costs and energy & money-saving recommendations.
Properties are afforded an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and an EPC is valid for 10 years.
New EPC minimum energy efficiency standards are coming into force. This means that private sector landlords can only grant a new tenancy of a private rented property (including an extension or renewal) after 1st April 2020 where the EPC is below a Band E energy efficiency level.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A LANDLORD DOES NOT HAVE AN EPC?
Since October 2015, where a landlord has not provided an assured shorthold tenant with an EPC, they will be unable to evict them using a Section 21 Notice.
Penalties apply for failing to provide a tenant with an EPC of 12.5% of the rateable value of the building, with a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied. Tenants who have learned that their home does not have an EPC can make a complaint to their local Trading Standards Office.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN A COPY OF AN EPC FOR MY PROPERTY?
If your property already has a current EPC, obtaining a copy is a free and simple process. You can visit the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government website here and retrieve your certificate by simply entering your property postcode.
HAS YOUR PROPERTY SCORED AN EPC RATING BELOW BAND E?
From 1 April 2019, landlords of domestic properties with an EPC rating below E must carry out up to £3,500 (inc. VAT) worth of works to improve their energy efficiency. This requirement applies before the property is let on a new tenancy, or by 1 April 2020 if no new tenancy has been entered into.
The £3,500 cap is an upper ceiling, not a target or a spend requirement. Landlords may wish to spend more however, if they spend less than £3,500 and have improved their property rating to an E or higher, then they have met their obligation.
Sometimes, it may not be possible to improve a property’s EPC to Band E for £3,500. In these cases, landlords can register an exemption on the PRS (Public Rented Sector) Exemptions Register. Click here for guidance on PRS exemptions.
HELP IS AT HAND
At Nicholas Humphreys (Sheffield – Broomhill & Crookes), we can help Sheffield’s landlords with:
- Applying for an EPC
- Renewing an EPC that has either expired (or close to expiry)
- Access to our trusted panel of qualified and insured tradespeople to carry out essential energy improvement works
- HMO compliance
- General queries relating to EPC exemptions
Whether you are looking to sell or rent your property, you can call us on 0114 470 4715 or e-mail at sheffieldwest@nicholashumphreys.com Our office is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.
