News

News Update .....

Government abandons new EPC targets


UK Government abandons higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets, providing relief for landlords.


Higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets for private rented property were going to come into force in 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies. The proposed changes would force landlords to spend up to £10,000 on energy improvements or face hefty fines of up to £30,000.


Landlords will be relieved to learn that on 20th September 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the Government is abandoning these targets.


News Update .....

Domestic tenancies – a minimum EPC rating of C from 2025 .....

There are various options put forward in the consultation but the Government’s preferred policy scenario is to require:

New domestic tenancies to reach an energy efficiency rating of C from 1 April 2025;

and .....

All domestic tenancies to reach an energy efficiency rating of C by 1 April 2028.


There is a proposal to increase the maximum amount a landlord is required to invest to £10,000 together with proposals to encourage compliance and strengthen existing enforcement options. There is also a focus on the quality of the work carried out and increasing the uptake of smart meters.


The consultation is open until 30 December 2020. The government response to this consultation is planned for Spring 2021, with regulations to follow in Autumn 2021.Domestic tenancies – a minimum EPC rating of C from 2025 .....


EPC "C" Rated Rental by 2025 .....

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NEWS UPDATE .....


Government announces £5k grants for Heat pumps from April 2022


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plan-to-drive-down-the-cost-of-clean-heat


NEWS UPDATE .....


Social homes to be improved with £179m grant funding


£179 million of grant funding has been offered to 69 local authorities in England, to upgrade their social housing properties.

The 1st wave of the government's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) will aim to upgrade approximately 20,000 social housing properties which currently sit below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating, between now and the 31st Jan 2023. The energy efficiency upgrades, will go some way in reducing fuel bills for tenants and delivering warmer, more efficient homes.

This marks just the first step in the government's commitment to deliver £3.8 billion worth of funding (over a 10 year period) to improve socially rented homes.

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) previously launched a pilot of the SHDF early last year. The demonstrator aimed to improve 2,100 social homes to EPC band C, through a whole house approach. This was considered to be a success, and showed  how social housing could be retrofitted at scale.

NEWS UPDATE .....


Government announces £5k grants for Heat pumps from April 2022


Climate Change Chief keeps the focus on energy efficiency - UK must move faster to insulate homes - More must be done to insulate the country's draughty homes, warns Britain's climate change chief.


For the full  BBC story https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60290876


Landlords Update

The "E" rated rental  is here .....

If you are a landlord, you need to be aware that, as of 1st April  2020, ALL properties in the private rental sector need to meet new energy standards, as documented on an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).

Useful Links
What is an EPC? Does my property have an EPC?

The Challenge

As of 1st April 2020, ALL tenancies must be accompanied by an EPC showing at least an E rating, whether they are in the middle of a tenancy, renewing or new to the lettings market. Any rental property with a rating of F or G will be classed as an illegal let unless the property has been registered as exempt on the PRS register. If the rule is breached, the landlord could face a civil penalty of up to £4,000.

Useful Links
PRS Exemption Guidance PRS Exemption Application

How can I improve the rating?

If your let property has a rating of F or G, look now into making your property more energy efficient. 

Possible recommendations might be .....

- Improve loft/roof insulation – much of a building’s heat is lost if the roof space is not properly insulated to the recommended thickness of 270mm. 
- Add wall insulation – likewise, heat can also escape through the walls, if not properly insulated. 
- Eliminate draughts – this is a good way to stop your heat and money literally going out of the window. Check under doors and around windows, as well as your letterbox, keyhole and any fireplaces.
- Upgrade your boiler – speak with a Gas Safe registered engineer who is experienced in fitting boilers for improved efficiency and a product that comes with a warranty.
- Install low-energy lighting – low energy LED or CFL lighting is a quick and easy way to add extra eco credentials.

Need Some Advice ?

#FUTURE

PRS Exemption Enquiry

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