Making homes in the private rental sector more energy efficient will make life tougher for landlords.
The government has made a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment by reducing the amount of energy used in homes. As a landlord, you have a responsibility to your tenants to keep your property well-maintained and safe. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation was introduced in July 2017 as part of this commitment, and it's now law.
All properties in the private rental sector must have a minimum EPC rating of E or better under the MEES legislation. A property with an EPC rating of F is prohibited from being rented out, which means that landlords must ensure their properties are up to date with their energy efficiency requirements before they can be let out again.
Since 1st April 2020, renting out a private dwelling with an F or G EPC rating is unlawful. If you rent out a dwelling with an EPC rating of F or G, you could be fined up to £5,000 and face prosecution.
How to Improve Your EPC rating?
Renting a property with an F or G EPC rating is not only illegal—it's also dangerous for your tenants' health. When the government introduced the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system in 2006, it was designed to help landlords choose which properties would be best for their tenants. But since then, many private landlords have ignored their obligations under the system and rented out properties that are energy inefficient and unsafe.
The good news is that there is plenty you can do to make sure that your property is as safe as possible for your tenants—and stay on the right side of the law.
Here are the ways to improve your EPC rating:
#1 LED lights
You know what's really cool about LED lights? They're actually saving the planet. That's right: LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient lights on the market. They use about 70% less power than incandescent bulbs, and last up to 20 times longer. That means you'll save money on your electric bill, reduce your carbon footprint, and help keep our planet healthy for future generations!
#2 Insulation Walls and Roof
If you want to improve your energy efficiency certificate rating and reduce your carbon footprint, insulating your walls and roof is a great place to start.
Insulating the walls keeps heat in during winter and out during summer. It also keeps noise at bay, so you can enjoy peace and quiet while cutting down on the cost of heating.
Insulating the roof can help keep cold air out and hot air in, which will help you avoid having to turn up your heating thermostat during winter months. It's also important because it helps keep moisture out of your home, which means you'll have fewer problems with mold growth.
You might think that insulating your home is a waste of money, but you'd be wrong. Insulation protects your home from heat loss in the winter and from heat gain in the summer, which means it keeps your home more comfortable for you and your family. It also helps to reduce wear on appliances, so if you have an older heating or cooling system, insulation can help keep it running longer.
#3 Install good boiler
This is a great time of year to be thinking about your energy efficiency. As the weather gets colder, your heating bills are going to be higher, even if you have a high-quality boiler. But if you have an older boiler that's not up to par with today's standards, it can cause more harm than good.
If you're looking for a new boiler, we recommend one that's high-efficiency and has been designed to meet current building regulations. By installing a newer model in your home, you'll be able to save money on your heating bill and improve the energy efficiency rating for your property.
Bluestone Properties
Bluestone is a letting agency and property management company in south London. We provide our clients with a range of services including property management, lettings, sales and development.
