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    Changes to Energy Performance Certificates have come in to effect

    Changes to Energy Performance Certificates –Check Your Certificate Now

     

    Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have changed. As of April this year, it is now illegal to rent out properties rated F or G for energy performance.

    Landlords need to check the EPCs for their rental properties now to see whether they comply with the new regulations. If a property fall into the F or G categories, steps will need to be taken at the end of the current tenancy before a new tenancy commences – and, in fact, even before the property can be placed back on the rentals market, unless an exemption certificate can be provided. A  temporary exemption is available to landlords on lease renewals where a lease is granted pursuant to the security of tenure provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. This exemption runs for six months from the date on which the renewal lease is granted. However, to rely on this temporary exemption, the landlord must register it on the PRS Exemptions Register.( so we couldn’t grant an extension for longer than 6 months)

    That’s not all, though. From 2020, all tenancies will be subject to this new national law, whether they have been ongoing for a few months or several years.

    This means that all landlords with properties in the F and G categories need to take action now to improve energy efficiency. Even if your tenants show no signs of moving out soon, the amendments to EPC law are going to come into effect for all existing tenancies, so it’s better to act now rather than face a mad panic or even potential fines as the 2020 deadline looms!

    Luckily, improving energy efficiency is quick, easy and simple in many cases. Sealing gaps around windows and doors with insulating tape, adding extra insulation in the loft space, replacing old-style light bulbs with more energy-efficient ones and investing in a couple of draught excluders can make a world of difference.

    Costlier options include replacing the current boiler, having cavity wall insulation fitted and installing double glazing, all of which can be sensible choices if you intend to keep the property as an investment for a number of years to come.

    In the long run, improved energy efficiency will save money, in terms of electricity and gas bills. This will make a property more attractive to tenants, as well as making energy bills cheaper for landlords during empty periods. So, improved energy efficiency is a win-win situation!

    Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will give you advice on what you can do to the property to make any improvements , some properties are unable to go above and F or a G but you will be required to register with the National PRS Exemptions Register   to claim your exemption certificate.

    At Julie Twist Properties, we can arrange your EPC test for you – just contact our maintenance team today. If your property fails to meet the standard, we can provide tailored advice for improvements and arrange retesting with a quick turnaround time. In addition, current clients can obtain a copy of their existing EPCs from us by contacting our offices.

     

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