Energy efficiency group calls for £5,000 cap on PRS works

An energy efficiency pressure group has given its backing to new Government energy efficiency guidelines, written at improving 300,000 private rental homes.

However, the Association for the Conservation of Energy has also proposed a cap of £5,000 for costs of remedial work carried out on each property.

Compliance

Speaking to the magazine Utility Week, the group also said it believes that compliance with new domestic energy efficiency standards coming into force next April could only cost £600 per home.

The new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are based on Energy Performance Certificate ratings and could force landlords into significant expense for each property.

From April 2018, it will be illegal to let a property with a F or G EPC rating to a new tenant – albeit with a few exemptions. From April 2020, a minimum rating of E will apply, for both new and existing tenancies.

The target is from 2025 for properties have a minimum EPC rating of D, with this rising to C from 2030.

Energy efficiency group calls for £5,000 cap on PRS works

Higher Ratings

Chief Executive of the Association for the Conservation of Energy Joanne Wade said: ‘How landlords should spend £600, would depend on how to get their energy performance ratings higher. This could include better heating control rafts, replacing windows and loft insulations. We are not asking for major work to be done.’

‘Looking to the next Budget statement, I think that we need to provide longer term incentives to landlords that what are currently on offer, and stop the staccato progress on incentives. For example, a policy of zero rated VAT for implementing energy efficiency measures could be introduced, to boost the link between a higher level of energy efficiency and higher quality apartments,’ she added.[1]

[1] https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/8/pressure-group-urges-5-000-cap-on-energy-efficiency-rental-work