Stratford-on-Avon District Council is warning landlords they face penalty notices if their properties fail to comply with recent legislation that seeks to address rental properties that have a poor energy rating.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides a detailed picture of a property's energy efficiency and CO2 emissions and landlords need to ensure that their property has an EPC that meets the latest regulations - the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.
From 1st April 2018, landlords of domestic properties have not been legally able to grant a new tenancy or renew an existing tenancy for a property with an EPC rating of F or G and this was extended to all tenancies from 1st April 2020.
Since the regulations came into force, the District Council's Private Sector Housing team has investigated over 1,300 properties that were perceived to be in breach of these regulations and have worked with landlords to bring properties in line with legislation.
Penalties can be issued up to £5,000 and can be applied per tenancy where the property falls short of the regulations. To date, 12 penalties have been issued for non-compliance.
Councillor Liz Coles, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio says: "The latest Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have been in play since April 2020, and they apply to all existing tenancies, not just new ones or renewals. The changes are intended to make homes much more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.
"An EPC is not just about meeting guidelines - it's fundamentally about quality of life and sustainability and the District Council will continue to ensure that rented accommodation meets legal requirements to ensure tenants have suitable accommodation and where they don't meet standards or aren't maintained, penalties will be issued.
"Increasing the energy efficiency of a rental property will reduce energy bills for tenants, making rent more affordable and can increase the value of properties."
Financial help is available, and the District Council may be able to assist landlords to access grant support to make the required improvements to their property.
Cllr Coles continued: "Legislation exists and as a District Council the Private Sector Housing team is enforcing this, but I would encourage landlords to work with us and find out what help, and support is available."
For further information and advice with your property, please see our website - Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) | Stratford-on-Avon District Council or contact the Private Sector Housing Team on psht@stratford-dc.gov.uk or 01789 260848/01789 267575.
The maximum penalty amounts apply per property and per breach of the regulations are:
- up to £2,000 and/or publication penalty for renting out a non-compliant property for less than 3 months
- up to £4,000 and/or publication penalty for renting out a non-compliant property for 3 months or more
- up to £1,000 and/or publication for providing false or misleading information on the Private Rented Sector Exemptions Register
- up to £2,000 and/or publication for failure to comply with a compliance notice
