News
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that has been an integral part of life. But with the increase of greenhouse gases causes Earth’s energy budget out of balance, additional heat is trapped, and thus the Earth’s average temperature increases causing climate change.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is the only way to slow down climate change. And around 36% of global energy is accounted for buildings and their constructions and 39% of energy percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions yearly.
According to the Climate Change Committee, buildings are responsible for around 34% of total carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. Thus, the Government is committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In the UK, a property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before being sold or rented. The Energy Performance Certificate shows the energy efficiency of the property. It is rated from ‘A’ as the most efficient and ‘G’ as the least efficient.
What is the minimum EPC rating?
Currently, the minimum EPC rating is ‘E’. This applies to all new tenancies and existing tenancies and extensions.
The easiest way to ensure a certificate is to get an ‘E’ rating or better. The EPC will show a list of recommendations and the impact they will have.
Properties that require EPC
The minimum energy requirement is applicable for assured shorthold tenancy, regulated tenancy, and domestic agriculture tenancy. If the property was let before 2008, the minimum energy requirement is not required.
For room lettings, EPC is not required. However, since October 2015, a landlord cannot serve section 21 notice if EPC has not been given to the tenant. Thus, providing EPC is advice.
Crucial Changes with EPC
In the 2019 consultation, the government is proposing to amend the minimum energy efficiency standard. From the current Energy Performance rating ‘E’ to either ‘B’ or ‘C’ by the year 2030.
Last 17th March 2021, a further consultation was published for the implementation of the EPC B Future Target.
What are the current proposals?
The current proposal of the government is to raise the minimum standard of Energy Performance Certificate to C in 2027 to have a gradual improvement by 2030 to Energy Performance Certificate B. The government proposes that each change would be led by a two-year ‘compliance window’. The compliance window will start with landlords requiring to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate for their letting properties to a central register, which will then identify the properties that are sub-standard and in need of improvement.
First compliance window
By 1 April 2025
A valid Energy Performance Certificate must be presented by the landlords for every letting property to a new online PRS compliance and exemptions database.
By 1 April 2027
If the existing EPC is below band C, a landlord must obtain another EPC to show that the EPC of the property has improved to band C or above. If the EPC of the property is already ‘C’ or above, registration must be done for a valid exemption.
Second compliance window
By 1 April 2028
A valid Energy Performance Certificate must be submitted by the landlords to the same online PRS database.
By 1 April 2030
If the EPC is below band B, landlords need to have another EPC to show that the building has already improved to band B or above. If the EPC of the property is already ‘B’ or above, registration must be done for a valid exemption.
If the proposals of the Government described in the consultation are implemented, starting 1st April 2030, all letting properties need to meet a minimum EPC rating of ‘B’ or have a valid exemption registered.
BLUESTONE PROPERTIES
Bluestone Properties is a property management and letting agency in south London. We provide services in south London and surrounding areas. If you're a landlord feel free to get it touch with us by call us on 0208 355 3405 and see how we can help you maximise your property's potential.
