A national awareness campaign is required to help landlords get to grip with new energy performance certificate (EPC) legislation, according to a report commissioned by a charity aiming to raise standards in the private rented sector (PRS).
The report’s author, Kate Faulkner – who runs Propertychecklists.com and consultancy Designs on Property – calls for the government, industry and media to work together to educate landlords on their EPC responsibilities.
She also says there should be clear information and straightforward practical guidance for tenants in the Communicating new EPC rules to landlords and tenants report, the 12th and final instalment in a series funded by the TDS Charitable Foundation.
Faulkner says: “Despite a flurry of publicity and interest before the EPC regulations came into force, many landlords and letting agents are still unaware of the law.
“The new rules and their aim to increase the energy efficiency of rental properties is undoubtedly positive, but for some landlords, their introduction has been seen as another legal hoop they have to jump through.
“Clearer explanations of what is required of landlords, and what energy-saving changes they can adopt to make their properties as energy efficient as possible, would certainly go a long way to help landlords to understand and comply with EPC regulations.”
She adds that landlords can use the energy efficiency of their property as a marketing tool to stand out from the crowded rental market.
Faulkner warns: “Landlords who don’t comply with the regulations may face penalties of up to £5,000, so it pays to understand your legal responsibilities. That said, more could be done to simply and concisely communicate what practical steps will help landlords make the necessary changes, and for tenants to identify properties with compliant EPC ratings.”
The TDS Charitable Foundation awards funding to organisations that meet its aims of promoting knowledge of landlords’ obligations and tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
Click here to read the report >>
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