Council unveils clampdown on rented homes with poor EPC rating

A clampdown on landlords who are renting out homes with worst performing energy efficiency ratings could be facing £5,000 fines, one council says.

The move will see landlords in Shropshire being issued with a Compliance Notice to improve the energy efficiency of the worst-performing privately rented homes in the county.

From 1 April 2020, landlords could not rent out a home with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below E, unless the property is exempted.

Now, Shropshire Council which is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations says it is actively investigating any potential breaches of the EPC rules.

‘Improving energy efficiency in any property’

Dean Carroll, the council’s cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing, said: “Improving energy efficiency in any property – rented or otherwise – is more important than ever, as we all face higher utility bills.

“Reducing heat loss through better insulation and installing more energy efficient and low carbon heating and lighting will not only help to significantly reduce energy bills, but will also reduce carbon emissions, which is vitally important if we are to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

He added: “We know most landlords are responsible and are willing to comply with their obligations to ensure tenants have warm homes that are not cold and damp, which will help to improve their health and wellbeing; but we will not hesitate to take action against those landlords who breach the rules.

“Those in breach of the regulations can face a fine of up to £5,000, and I would encourage landlords to ensure their properties comply under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards legislation to avoid formal action and a potential fine.”

Properties that do not meet the minimum energy efficient standards

The council has revealed that it has been contacting landlords who have properties that do not meet the minimum energy efficient standards to ensure they make improvements to reach the minimum rating.

If they can’t do this, they must apply for an exemption.

Shropshire also says it is investigating potential breaches of the MEES regulations – and enforcement action will make landlords bring their property up to the required standard.

Property has been let in breach of the regulations

The council says that where it appears a property has been let in breach of the regulations, or an invalid exemption has been registered, it may issue a compliance notice requesting further information.

If a breach is confirmed, the landlord may receive a financial penalty of up to £5,000 – and it may also publish details of the breach on the PRS (Private Rental Sector) Exemptions Register.