Forest of Dean District Council to help landlords ‘get their homes in order’
Landlords of properties failing energy efficiency standards are being targeted by the Forest of Dean District Council as part of a national drive to get more domestic properties up to the minimum standards to make homes healthier and fuel bills more affordable for those living there.
Currently, privately rented properties that are let on either an assured or regulated tenancy basis, are covered by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) which set out a range of criteria, including the need to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Last updated in April 2020, the standards now make it unlawful to let out a property that has an EPC rating of below an ‘E’ and appropriate remedial steps must be taken to bring the property up to standard unless it is registered exempt.
To encourage more landlords to get their homes up to the minimum threshold, the Forest of Dean District Council, through its partner Severn Wye Energy Agency, is offering a free energy survey for non-compliant properties until the end of March.
Councillor Sid Phelps, Cabinet Member for Environment at the Forest of Dean District Council said: “We are urging landlords whose properties do not have the correct energy certificates, ratings and assessments in place to get their homes in order. We realise many landlords act responsibly when renting their properties and follow the guidance to keep their tenants safe, secure and warm, however, we know there are a number of rented properties in our district which fall short and it is these that will be targeted over the next few months.
“Putting an end to cold and draughty homes, which are expensive to heat, will not only mean greater comfort for those living there but will give tenants more assurance when it comes to paying their household bills, particularly with the looming threat of rising energy prices.”
Under the rules, landlords are not obligated to spend more than £3,500 on retrofitting energy performance improvements, even if their property then fails to make the grade. Modifications that cost more than the cap, may, in some cases, attract grant funding meaning that landlords can make greater improvements, which protect the long-term fabric of their properties and increase their desirability to the rental market, but need pay only a fraction of the cost.
Surveys will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served basis,’ and will include a report giving tailored recommendations on how to bring the property up to the legal requirements. The costs are being met by a grant from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to help local authorities raise awareness of, and support compliance with MEES and to take action where necessary.
Landlords who continue to flout the rules and fail to bring their properties up to the required minimum standards or apply for a temporary exemption could face a penalty up to £5,000 for each breach, enforceable by the District Council.
Landlords needing support in MEES compliance, and who would like to book their free home energy visit, can call Severn Wye Energy Agency on 0800 500 3076 during office hours or email: [email protected] or visit the website: https://severnwye.org.uk/landlords/
Further help and support is available on the Forest of Dean District Council’s website: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/MEES