Hypothetical EPC requirements action?

Hypothetical EPC requirements action?

10:07 AM, 17th February 2023, About A year ago 19

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This hypothetical, supposing the Minimum EPC is raised to a C say on the 1st of April 2025 and all houses below a C needed to be up to the new standards by the 1st of April 2028 approximately 48% of the rented sector.

If the date of the Legislation was passed say 1st Of April 2024 wouldn’t it be prudent for all Landlords to issue eviction notices on the 2nd of April 2024 whose properties currently do not meet EPC grade C or above?

What a message it would send to our bankrupt government!

It would more mayhem than all the current strikes put together, sort that one out Mr Sunak/ Mr Starmer!

Mike


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Comments

David Houghton

10:26 AM, 18th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by JamesB at 18/02/2023 - 09:17
Similar problem myself,with old property. Solar panels are an a possible option subject to planning permission. But then when they do not work so wel in 10 year wil you get the same EPC credit. Definitely merit in packing in.

northern landlord

14:05 PM, 18th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by David Houghton at 17/02/2023 - 18:10
You can look at the proposed rental sector changes white paper here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-fairer-private-rented-sector#
The white paper on page 33 talks about introducing a new ground if a landlord wishes to sell or move themselves or a relative into the property. Tellingly, this is not specifically stated to be a mandatory ground while on the same page persistent rent arrears will become a mandatory ground so it’s unlikely to be an oversight.
This implies that an eviction will not be automatic if you want to sell up or move in. I had always hoped that when I finally wanted to sell up and leave the PRS I could do so but maybe it’s not going to be that easy. Selling with a tenant in place will restrict the market appeal of your property and you will certainly not get full open market price. Generation rent are pushing for landlords having to pay tenants compensation when they are evicted for no fault of their own and people like them and Shelter have the ear of the Government unlike landlord organisations. We certainly need more clarification. Looking at the white paper there is not a lot of fairness for landlords with compulsory inspections, registration and membership of Ombudsman dispute resolution schemes (all of which I anticipate will not be free) that can fine Landlords £30,000 while being unable to impose such fines on tenants.

Rebecca Anelay

14:38 PM, 19th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 18/02/2023 - 09:30
Thank you so much . Yes I wanted a nice house for my boys for their future. I only have 5 rentals and not LTD. Think you're right, I need to look into LTD but need to find someone who I can trust. My accountant is just a book keeper. I did leave a message for these guys but have not heard back, maybe because I'm in Lincoln and my properties in Nottingham. Thank you so much for your advice.

Rebecca Anelay

14:42 PM, 19th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 18/02/2023 - 14:05
Thank you so much for sharing and answering my question. Really appreciate it . I'm sooo fed up!

David Houghton

15:05 PM, 19th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Rebecca Anelay at 19/02/2023 - 14:38
The question you need to address is have your properties all ready made a big leap in value.. if you transfer these you may create a capital gain.

You also need to check how you finance them, will the interest rate increase..Will these costs offset any savings. I didn't need an accountant to work out it's not for me. But it may be different for you

David Houghton

15:18 PM, 19th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 18/02/2023 - 14:05Thanks Northern Landlord. Come May will be time to read that draft legislation and sell up if need be.

Smiffy

9:09 AM, 20th February 2023, About A year ago

When I started in the early 90's, the term "Buy to Let" didn't exist.

The landlords association formed locally was one of the first in the country, and it's members were what I call professional landlords. Landlords that bought properties solely for the purpose of renting.

There was none of this "I'll rent my own home for a couple of years, then boot the tenant out when it suits me" lark. We looked for good, long term tenants that were going to stay. One of mine has been in 27 years!

To some extent our current problems are caused by the amateur landlords who expect to boot people out on a whim, to cash in. Easy BTL mortgages instead of proper commercial lending was a mistake, and professional landlords are the ones now suffering the effects.

Neil Patterson

14:42 PM, 20th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Rebecca Anelay at 19/02/2023 - 14:38
Dear Rebecca,

Please see our main Tax Planning page and Download our Ultimate Guide >> https://www.property118.com/tax/

I would then strongly recommend you book a consultation with Property118

Graham Bowcock

14:49 PM, 20th February 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Smiffy at 20/02/2023 - 09:09
I can't disagree, although the changes have stopped people letting their home whilst having to move away from an area or perhaps travel abroad. We just don't get these rentals any more.

After thirty years in the business I have used s21 sparingly - perhaps twice. I've had tenants stay over twenty years. They're all well looked after and the houses are well maintained.

Sadly I will be using s21 more frequently now, whilst I can still do so, as the returns have diminished.

We run our portfolios through limited companies, and have done for years. I'd like to think we are very professional, so it's disappointing that we need to make some changes - although ultimately it's the tenants that will lose out.

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