Check energy efficiency of rental properties now, landlords told

Though significant energy efficiency improvements have been made, it’s estimated over 200,000 rental properties will fail the new standards being introduced next April unless landlords act now.

According to research from insurance firm AXA, approximately one in twenty buy-to-let properties won’t meet the minimum standards, which means those properties cannot legally be let out until the standards are met.

Come 1st April 2018, rental properties will be required to have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E. Energy efficiency is ranked from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Any properties with a rating of F or G on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) cannot be let out for new lets or tenancy renewals. The new standards will then apply to all existing tenancies from April 1st 2020 onwards.

There are certain exemptions which landlords may qualify for, and landlords can find out more about these exemptions here.

However, the number of properties being let out with poor energy efficiency ratings has decreased, as landlords work to make sure their properties are as energy efficient as possible, which is of real benefit to tenants.

Gareth Howell, Managing Director of AXA Direct, said: “Our study has found that landlords are making significant investments into improving the energy efficiency of their properties and this is part of a bigger trend”.

He continued: “When we look at our surveys of tenants and landlords over the past five years, we see progress across the board on security, maintenance and numbers with proper tenancy agreements in place”.

Click the link below for more information:

Property Wire