Landlords beware – Ridley and Hall finds that nearly 1 in 10 properties in Kirklees are unfit to let
On 1st April 2018, strict new regulations will come in to force making it a criminal offence to let either residential or commercial property which fails to meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
Nearly all properties which have been sold or let have been required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) around 10 years – however, and up until now, it has been a matter for a buyer or tenant as to whether they are concerned by its findings (and in this firm’s experience, most buyers have not concerned themselves with the performance of the property). Properties are banded from A (best) to G (worst). Residential certificates are in two parts – impact rating and energy efficiency.
As from 1st April, it will be a criminal offence to let properties falling within bands F and G, subject to certain very limited exceptions.
Failure to abide by the regulations can attract a fine of up to £160,000.
Ridley & Hall has reviewed figures produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government and has found that between April 2008 and September 2017, 2162 commercial properties were assessed in Kirklees – of these, 9% failed to meet the necessary standard. Residential housing stock in Kirklees fairs a little better. In the third quarter of 2017, 8.2% of residential properties in England & Wales failed to meet the required Energy Performance Certificate impact rating, compared to 6.7% in Kirklees. In addition, a significant but smaller percentage of properties within Kirklees failed to meet energy efficiency standards.
Even if you do not intend to let your property, you should be mindful of your property’s EPC rating as it may affect future saleability and value – whilst it is not the government’s stated intention, there is obviously a risk that the government will seek to improve the efficiency of housing and commercial property stock by further reducing the banding of acceptable properties.
If you are concerned about the implications of the new regulations, then please contact David Amies to discuss further on 01484 538421 or complete our online enquiry form.
