Regulations for minimum levels of energy efficiency in the Private Rented Sector updated

There are four key changes to notes, which the ADE flagged in a November 2018 member briefing.   Landlord financial contribution – this amendment introduces a requirement for landlords of EPC F and G rated homes to improve their property to EPC band E (or as close as feasible), up to the value of £3,500 (including VAT). The cap can include third-party funding and requires landlords to make changes before the property is let on a new tenancy, or by 1 April 2020.   High cost exemption - where band E cannot be met for under £3,500 then landlords should install all measures up to the cap and apply for an exemption. To support the exemption, landlords must upload copies of quotations from three different installers demonstrating that the cost cap has been exceeded.   Removal of ‘no cost to landlord’ exemption - from 1 April 2019, landlords will no longer be able to apply for a five-year exemption for cases in which improvements would occur a cost to the landlord. The validity of existing exemptions will also end on 31 March 2020.   Removal of the ‘consent exemption’ – from April 1 2019, existing exemptions for cases in which tenants have withheld consent for energy efficiency improvements under the Green Deal Finance Plan will not be sufficient for landlords to claim an exemption.  An updated version of the domestic landlord guidance can be found here.