0:06 AM, 12th February 2025, About 3 months ago 5
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The government’s strategy for boosting the energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings in the private rented sector has been met with cautious optimism by one organisation.
The Property Institute (TPI) says that the proposals, which were announced last week, do not consider the hurdles faced by flat dwellers, particularly leaseholders, where upgrades are often restricted.
TPI’s chief communications officer, Jaclyn Mangaroo, said: “The Property Institute welcomes the government’s announcement on improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector, but the proposals do not directly address or consider the unique challenges faced by those living in tall buildings, particularly in leasehold blocks, where improvements are typically prohibited.
“With over 20% of households in England and Wales living in flats, maisonettes and apartments, and nearly five million leasehold homes in England — many in older, inefficient tall buildings — decarbonisation efforts must account for the legal and architectural barriers preventing improvements and upgrades.”
The government’s plans to raise energy efficiency standards in private rentals will require new tenancies to have an EPC rating of C by 2028.
All existing tenancies must meet this standard by 2030.
This extended timeline, according to the government, allows landlords more time to prepare and carry out necessary upgrades.
Legislation is expected in 2026, at which point a cost cap – currently proposed at £15,000 – will be finalised.
Landlords are being encouraged to begin improvements before the 2028 deadline.
However, Ms Mangoroo said: “Almost 40% of leasehold homes are rented out in the private sector, so without a specific mechanism in place to improve these homes, the supply of rental homes will be significantly impacted if they cannot meet the EPC targets.
“To truly tackle fuel poverty and meet net zero targets, the Government must develop a tailored strategy and funding mechanisms to support retrofitting and low-carbon heating in high-rise housing.”
Speaking about the government’s plans to consult on its EPC C proposals, Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s head of policy and campaigns, said: “This consultation and the proposals to extend the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the private rented sector in England and Wales have long been anticipated.
“However, Minister Miliband must realise it’s not about fighting landlords and people on climate change; it’s about creating realistic and achievable energy efficiency targets that acknowledge the challenges our housing sector faces in adapting and making the necessary improvements in an affordable way.”
He added: “Landlords are part of the solution, but the UK government must listen and support them as housing providers.
“Failure to do so alongside adequate and sustained grant funding, will only mean that property will not be available to rent, and tenants lose out when there is huge demand for rented property across the country.”
Tenants and landlords are being asked to share their thoughts on government proposals aimed at improving private rental housing and lowering energy costs. The deadline for doing so is 26 February.
Tiger
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Sign Up11:21 AM, 12th February 2025, About 3 months ago
This article is looking at the current facts and I hope the current government will listen to some valid advice. Landlords are not cash cows for the government, untrained personnel or the tenants.
Ed Milliband and Angela Rayner are like a bull in a china shop. Between them, not having the sense to consult the right people will see that some properties with D, but not able to upgrade to a C will not be rentable and stay empty for a long time. The tenants, they think they are helping will suffer because they want the landlords to suffer such unnecessary legal laws. From E to D would be good step, as that is a great step in itself. Also the person performing EPC on 2 neighbouring properties with the same criteria has given C to one and the other an E. How can this be justified? This will continue.
Barbara Gwyer
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Sign Up12:07 PM, 12th February 2025, About 3 months ago
I have just sold my top floor flat in a social housing block of 60 flats. All the flats are C rated apart from the top floor which are all D on account of the flat roof. I approached the council about what can be done about the roof as I have no jurisdiction over it and was told that if this did become law, it won't apply to them until at least 2035 so they were not prepared to do anything. If I wanted to comply I would have to install a false, insulated ceiling in my flat. Not only would this be very expensive, but the ceiling height would be reduced so much it would be difficult to open the internal doors and for a tall person to stand upright. So I felt I was left with no choice. One less property on the rental market and a tenant of 12 years homeless.
TheMaluka
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Sign Up16:29 PM, 12th February 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Barbara Gwyer at 12/02/2025 - 12:07
Since height is not a protected characteristic, a false ceiling with limited height should not be a problem! EPCs are far more important than being able to stand uptight.
Dylan Morris
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Sign Up17:37 PM, 12th February 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Barbara Gwyer at 12/02/2025 - 12:07
Just suppose there are two flats on the top floor. Yours and the other one owned by the Council. You’ll have to evict your tenant and sell your flat so it can be occupied by an owner. Whilst the council tenant is perfectly fine to stay in their flat. Utter madness.
moneymanager
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Sign Up19:04 PM, 13th February 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tiger at 12/02/2025 - 11:21
None of the EPC assessment us really scientific, some years ago I wrote on the issue of heat emissions in Aberdeen,, using airborne heat image photography, the surprise was that it wasn't the old stone buildings that were worst, but the new builds where workmanships was so poor with Good materials just badly installed, all invisible to any assessor.