In previous articles, we advised Landlords about the Government’s proposal to introduce a minimum energy performance rating of E within the private rented sector. The Residential Landlords Association has recently confirmed that the proposed changes will be implemented in April 2018.

These changes mean that in April 2018, private rented properties will need to have a minimum EPC rating of E or it will be illegal to rent them to tenants. In April next year this change will only apply to new tenancies and renewals but as from April 2020, the rule will be extended to incorporate all private rentals.

Therefore, properties with an EPC rating of F or G will either need to be taken off the market after this date or improvements undertaken to improve the energy efficiency and the rating. Although this date is still 8 months away, our advice to our Landlords would be to carry out improvement works sooner rather than later in order to ensure compliance.

The Government is expected to publish specific guidance for landlords in October this year to clarify the changes. The clarification will hopefully include details on any cost capping on the improvement works landlords are expected to carry out and will also confirm that some, if not all, listed buildings are exempt from the change.

Upon publication of the Government’s EPC guidance in October, Moginie James will update our Landlords as soon as possible.