Landlords urged to think about EPC regulation now

Landlords have been advised to give careful consideration to the Green Deal while there is still plenty of time to do so, greenbuildnews.co.uk reports.

The Green Deal is a wide-reaching group of policies outlined by the government in order to make British homes and businesses more energy efficient. Its impact on the lettings sector has prompted an overhaul of the way energy performance certificates (EPCs) are presented and used.

One of the biggest changes for landlords is expected to come by 2018 when, if any of their properties score a rating of F or G on their EPC, they’ll need to be upgraded before the tenants move in.

The legislation has already made it a requirement for landlords to provide prospective tenants with an EPC almost straight away, as opposed to the two weeks grace period they used to have.

These new measures have been hailed by some as a way for landlords to prove they are able to self-regulate and that the myriad rules imposed on the sales sector are not needed where lettings are concerned.

Marion Money, who is among the 51 per cent of landlords who have already made energy-saving alterations in their properties to rent, told propertywire.com: “I am quite passionate about energy efficiency. It benefits my tenants as they receive added value and cheaper energy bills. In fact, one of my elderly tenants was really delighted by the increased warmth and comfort provided by the central heating and insulation installation.

“And it’s not just my tenants who benefit as I am protecting my investment for the future. I would definitely advise other landlords to do the same.”