Property in the rental sector, both residential and non-residential, are expected to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) of an E rating EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). The government has proposed that all rental properties will need an EPC rating of C or above by 2025. It is thought that the new regulations will first apply to new tenancies and then to all rental property by 2028. Further clarity on this will be forthcoming from the government in due course.
An EPC rating of E can be hard to achieve for older buildings, especially those with solid wall construction and those that are Listed Buildings. Achieving a rating of C will be a significant challenge, and in many cases will not be possible without physical intervention and probably a substantial expense.
Landlords faced with this challenge can apply for an EPC Exemption under some very specific criteria of the regulations. One of these exemptions relates to whether the property might be suitable for retrofitting wall insulation. Where a rental property can be proved to be unsuitable for the installation of wall insulation, following an inspection and a report is produced by a Chartered Building Surveyor who is on the RICS Conservation Accredited list, an EPC Exemption can be applied for.
The Exemption, if approved, is valid for five years.
We can do this, so if you a landlord in this position please do get in touch.
Information on the Exemption Scheme can be found here..:
Following the inspection and the preparation of a report to confirm that the rental property complies with the Exemption criteria, the report can lodged by the landlord here..:
Exemption Report to Be Lodged By Landlord
The EPC that has been issued for the rental property will still exist for the remaining period it is valid.
The landlord may need to prove that the Exemption has been submitted, for example to a tenant or legal advisor. Proof of the Exemption can be found by searching using the property postcode here..:
This information was correct at the time of publishing but is subject to change by the government and anyone wishing to apply for an Exemption should first make an initial enquiry to discuss their specific circumstances.
Disclaimer: Anything posted in this Blog is for general information only and it is not in any way intended to provide any advice, legal or otherwise, on any general or specific matter that you can rely on. You should always seek your own legal advice.