Landlords warned of new energy efficiency laws

Landlords are being urged to make sure properties are more energy efficient ahead of new regulations coming in to force from April 1.

Trading standards officials are advising landlords with less efficient properties they may fall foul of the new regulations if improvements aren’t made.

From 1 April, all properties which are required to have Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) must have an energy rating of E or above, if a new tenancy agreement is signed.

The same regulation applies for tenancy agreements, which will be renewed after April 1.

Where below standard, improvements can be made to bring the property rating up to a minimum E rating.

Energy improvements such as installing a more efficient boiler, radiator thermostat valves, insulation, double-glazing, and solar panels are some of the measures which can improve an energy efficiency rating.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Where landlords fail to comply with their legal obligations, and let property below an E rating, or lodge false information on the exemptions register, they may face a financial penalty for each let property of up to £5,000. Failing to respond to an information request by ourselves may also result in a penalty notice of up to £2,000.”

The same will apply to nondomestic lets, with landlords no longer able to grant new or renewed tenancy agreements for commercial properties which fall below a minimum E efficiency rating.

Guidance for landlords can be found at www.gov.uk/ renting-out-a-property