The New EPC Regulations We are aware of the importance of being energy efficient, so we are very pleased to welcome the new EPC regulations being introduced. It is extremely important that all rented properties are made as energy efficient as possible. These regulations will make it against the law to lease or to let a commercial or residential property that has an F or a G EPC rating. The regulations that surround the Energy Performance Certificates will change on the 1st April 2018, in response to the concern there has been in the industry amongst landlords, agents, energy assessors and tenants. With energy efficiency at the top of the agenda it is important that all property is as energy efficient as it can be. For domestic buildings we understand that the new rating is aimed at addressing domestic fuel costs and general energy efficiency.

What is EPC?

The EPC Ratings highlight two key areas about a rental property; the energy efficiency rating, this is based on how much the home would cost to run depending on the lifestyle of the tenant and the environmental impact rating, this is based on how much carbon dioxide is released into the environment because of the home.
The ratings are based on factors like age, property layout, construction, heating, lighting, and insulation. The ratings are standard so a tenant can compare the energy efficiency of one rental property with another, which may influence their decision when picking a property to rent.

Here are the important points you need to know about these EPC changes:

• The new EPC changes will affect property, both residential and commercial. This means that any landlord who rents a house or a flat out, will have to ensure that the building meets the new minimum requirements for EPC.
• Between the period of 2008–2015, domestic properties were regularly given an E an F or G. This government data would suggest that the new energy performance regulations are likely to affect a significant amount of the building stock in the UK.
• In drawing up the new regulations the government did consider the views of a variety of organisations and individuals in England and in Wales, consulting on all the issues that surround EPCs before finally deciding on the detail that makes up these new regulations. The regulations aim to ensure that the government meet the Energy Act of 2011 obligations that were set out to improve energy efficiency for all property in the private rental sector.

As of April 2018, you will not be able to let a property or renew an existing tenancy if the property in question has an EPC rating of E or below; as of 2020, this will then include properties which have sitting tenants.

From 1st April 2018, if you continue to rent properties that do not meet the minimum EPC rating you could face a fine for non-compliance.

Anis Kagdi, Lint Group, EPC expert and Senior Sales Manager has the top five recommendations for improving your energy efficiency:

• Cavity wall insulation
• Using low energy lighting
• Using thermostatic valves on radiators
• Loft insulation
• Double glazing windows

If you are keen to know what this will mean to your own rental property, then Lint Group would advise you to speak to a local energy assessor who will give you their expert advice and will also provide you with an EPC for your property.

If you are keen to know what this will mean to your own rental property, then Lint Group would advise you to speak to a local energy assessor who will give you their expert advice and will also provide you with an EPC for your property.