Surely I am not the only landlord worried about new EPC requirements?

Surely I am not the only landlord worried about new EPC requirements?

9:44 AM, 17th February 2021, About 3 years ago 154

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Hello, I was wondering if Property118 could shed some light on the new proposed changes to the EPC requirements – my understanding is that over the next few years 2025 onwards, properties in the PRS have to be rated a C as a minimum. Currently, has to be above an E.

My worry is that the government seems to be applying this rule to all properties regardless of age, although I think it may be different if it is listed. It is not difficult for a new property to meet the requirements of a C or about.

However, as the owner of several Victorian terraces, it is much more difficult if not impossible to get this rating. For example, we do not have cavity walls. I have done all the usual things like loft insulation, double glazing, energy-efficient boilers etc etc but other suggested improvements seem to be a lot of outlay for very little impact on the EPC.

For example, I think the only improvement that has been suggested is using solar panels, but the property is not suitable for solar panels.  I am concerned that I may not be able to meet the new requirements despite my best efforts.

Surely I am not the only landlord who is worried about this?

Is there a campaign to ask for property age to be taken into consideration?

Thank you

Su


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Comments

Nigel Green

18:48 PM, 17th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike at 17/02/2021 - 17:45
Mike, funny enough I did look at PV with battery storage to run a heat pump but costs did not stack up. I will install PV & heat pump in 15 years or so when more of the norm & when gas boilers can't be purchased.

margarita delaorden

21:36 PM, 17th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Paul Stephenson CEng at 17/02/2021 - 16:21
Hi Paul, Just standard heating, I guess. Can I speak to you privately. thanks

eagle view

23:04 PM, 17th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Hello there,
Correct epc is subject to a putting right information data in the system.
Energy assessment grade can be increased by putting correct property age, type of wall it has, correct insulation thickness. Correct heating system, correct double glazing date and energy light. Epc software do recognize modern water heater, oil heater or economy 7.
Most propery will achieve c grade if the property is heated and has radiator trv with programer. Double glazing and roof insulation above 150MM. Newly build is bonus because it will comply latest building regulations.

John Dace

9:57 AM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Su, great question. Like you I saw from the start of EPC roll out that this was likely to be a huge problem. Not just because of the nature of the UK housing stock but because of the inevitable cock up UKGov would make of implementing it. EPCs are calculated in a totally flawed way with no common sense. Huge costs (money and environmental) for so little gain. I have properties which EPC surveys say can save more than the actual current costs. Lunacy! Ripping out good stuff and installing overpriced similar at massive CO2 cost to the environment to never get full benefit return is crazy. I mean, just as an example, how much CO2 has and will be produced by all the EPC guys doing their training and then travelling around doing them - and all the assessor training HQ offices and trade body infrastructure offices and company cars. Who really believes there is going to be any net benefit from all of this? They have done what they always do. Implement something with a headline of “Its to save the planet” gradually before squeezing the noose. I saw this coming but only now are landlords waking up to this problem. And why just landlords? Because of the undercurrent Gov aim to reduce private landlords housing stock. If it were really to ‘save the planet’ it would be applied to social and privately owned housing.

James Mann

10:08 AM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by margarita delaorden at 17/02/2021 - 10:24
Given that new gas boilers will be banned in under 4 years and that the most reasonable option is electric space and water heating, I think that there will have to be some rapid decision making. Air source heat pumps are far too expensive and are not suitable for most older properties.

John

10:19 AM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by James Mann at 18/02/2021 - 10:08
This information is plain wrong.

Everyone please listen. There is no issue with gas boilers going forward. They will all be made hydrogen ready. So when the switch comes in the 2030's it will cost about £150 to switch the boiler over to hydrogen. The part is costing £85 and its one hour labour charge on top.

reader

11:25 AM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Hi John

Can you fully explain your understanding and source for your thoughts? The switch to hydrogen is worth an article in its own right.

John

11:43 AM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by at 18/02/2021 - 11:25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uNKPDREa-Q

this interview with the worcester bosch head engineer is everything you need to know about what is happening in this space.

Prior to this interview Leeds has been planned as the test bed for hydrogen heating. It is happening as we speak. It is the H21 project. I learnt about it in 2019, but i didnt understand how we are going to be on hydrogen exactly. The interview explains all. Plus it covers heat pumps as well.

This site tells you all you need to know

https://www.h21.green/

Rennie

14:10 PM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Denise G at 17/02/2021 - 12:35
correct!

Ben Perkins

17:45 PM, 18th February 2021, About 3 years ago

On the gov website it explains you can claim exemption for works over £3500.

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