Ministers move closer to banning rental properties with low EPCs

The clock is ticking for landlords of energy-inefficient properties to make important decisions.

They have potentially less than four years in which to upgrade their stock – or dispose of it.

A new consultation has been launched, stating that the minimum standard for all private rental properties will be an EPC rating of E.

The requirement will apply from April 1, 2018. If a property does not meet the minimum E rating, it will not be possible to let it to tenants.

The requirement is given in the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s two consultations on the Private Rented Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations. One consultation relates to domestic buildings and the other to privately rented commercial properties.

The same minimum E rating requirement also relates to privately rented commercial properties.

The consultation is seeking industry reaction to how the proposed regulations will be implemented, which are part of the Government’s plans to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

The consultation also refers to another deadline, April 1, 2016. From this date, private tenants will be able to ask their landlords for energy efficiency measures, which the landlords will not be able to “unreasonably” refuse.