Chester Landlords – New Proposals For EPC Regulations Are Available

(Posted on 03/11/20)

At Ashton & Grosvenor, we work hard to ensure local landlords in Chester comply with regulations and provide tenants with the best standard of service at all times. This is a challenging task, as there is a considerable number of regulations to comply with.

Also, these regulations are often updated, and new regulations are implemented. One of the most important regulations for landlords to follow recently has been MEES and EPC regulations.

While changes are not likely to occur anytime soon, landlords should note that proposals are in place to update EPC regulations. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the proposed regulations, and if you have any objections, you can share your disapproval.

We help you stay up to date with regulations

On September 30^th, the Government initiated a consultation process looking for opinions on a range of policy proposals.

They intend to maintain their commitment to upgrading the private rental sector in England and Wales to Band C of the Energy Performance Certificate by 2030.

The Government claims this process will offer huge benefits to tenants, landlords and the environment.

The proposals are as follows:

• All new tenancies from 1 April 2025 and all existing tenancies by 1 April 2028 will have to meet band C or higher on an EPC

• Landlords will be required to have a valid EPC in place at all times while a property is let

• Landlords will be required to install ‘fabric first’ measures e.g. insulation

• Landlords will be encouraged to support the uptake of smart meters

• Tenants will be able to request improvements and redress where a property does not meet the requirements

• Landlords will be required to provide an EPC prior to a property being advertised

Many industry experts have spoken on the proposed EPC regulations

Meera Chindooroy, the Deputy Director of Policy at The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called for more financial support for landlords. Meera said; “Whatever the outcome of the consultation – it closes on December 30, so any new laws likely won’t be passed before the end of March next year – the direction of travel is clear. Landlords must accelerate the upgrade of their properties. We have consistently called for further funding to be made available to the sector to encourage landlords to go above and beyond the legal minimum.”

Timothy Douglas is the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA Propertymark) Policy and Campaigns Manager, and he said; “On the face of it these proposals simply do not take into account the state of the UK's housing stock. We all want to see more energy efficient homes, but the new rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable. Landlords and their letting agents are already taking the brunt of tax changes and many are providing support to tenants with Covid-related arrears.”

Timothy concluded by saying; “A simplified [EPC] exemptions regime and additional financial support must be made available otherwise the measures in their current form, will not be achievable and that would mean further reductions in the supply of rented accommodation available.”

We offer a range of letting services to landlords in Chester, including tailored options which ensure you receive the best support at all times. If you would like to arrange an appointment to help you negotiate the local buy-to-let market, please contact Ashton & Grosvenor today by calling us on 01244 318 115 or emailing us at hello@ashtonandgrosvenor.co.uk.