As of 1 April 2019, new rules relating to the energy efficiency of rental properties are in force in England and Wales.
Energy Efficiency
The legislation now means that privately rented properties will need to meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of E. For many landlords, this won’t be an issue as their properties will already be compliant.
Propertywire pointed out that since April 2018, a minimum energy efficiency requirement rating of E has for all properties new or renewed tenancies. However, this latest statutory instrument to come into force means the minimum standard now applies to all rental properties.
It is essential that landlords know that there is a self-funding cap of £3,500 on landlords to make property compliant. Those who rent out homes will need to spend up to this amount to bring an inefficiency up to an E standard.
Energy Performance Certificates
All energy performance certificates (EPCs) will feature recommended measures to bring a property up to the required standard. Landlords can use this as a guide to help them decide what work to carry out.
There are lots of ways to improve the energy efficiency of a property, and how much an individual landlord decides to spend will be their choice. They are only required by law to pay on measures up to the cap of £3,500, which means more costly alterations aren’t necessary unless they particularly want to carry out the work.
One option could be to replace a draughty door with a new bifold door and bifold door threshold, for example.
Residential Landlords Association
The news provider noted that the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) estimates that the cost of bringing an F or G rated property up to an E standard should cost in the region of £1,200, well below the spending cap that’s in place.
According to the Energy Saving Trust there are several steps you can take to improve the energy efficiency of a property. In many cases, these will save the tenants money on their bills, as well as making the home a more comfortable place to live.
Solid Wall Insulation
For instance, fitting solid wall insulation could lead to substantial savings on heating bills. The organisation estimates that it could save up to £245 per year for the average semi-detached home, and these savings could be even higher for a detached property.
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust also recommends “going beyond the minimum and installing the most efficient ones you can afford” when it comes to replacing windows and doors in a property. Triple glazing is an option if you want to not only improve the energy efficiency of a property but also significantly reduce the noise from outside.
Replacing single glazed doors and windows with A++ rated double glazing is estimated to save the average household £80 per year on their heating bills if they live in a semi-detached home.
Energy Efficent Appliances
If kitchen appliances or a boiler need replacing anyway, it makes sense for landlords to invest in more energy-efficient models to help further improve rental property and make sure they are compliant with the new regulations.