From 1st April 2020, all domestic lettings (including existing) must achieve an “E” rating or better.

The minimum energy requirements only apply to the following types of tenancy:

• Assured or assured shorthold tenancy (Housing Act 1988)
• Regulated tenancy (Rent Act 1977)
• Domestic agricultural tenancy

From April 2018, new tenancies in England and Wales had to meet the Government’s minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES). Properties which require an energy performance certificate (EPC) must reach a minimum ‘E’ rating on their EPC assessment, or have a valid exemption registered. The current change as of April 2020 pertain to existing tenancies.

How do I arrange a Residential EPC?

Whether you require a one-off project or multiple projects, Compliance 4 Buildings can provide residential and commercial EPCs. Our team are available by phone on 0203 556 2407 or via email info@compliance4buildings.co.uk

Future Changes

Last January, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced that mandatory five-year electrical installation checks on private rented housing in England would be introduced over a transitional period of two years. The first year would see all new private tenancies subject to the checks, while the second year would encompass all existing tenancies too.

If you are renting out a property in England, any tenancy you create or renew on or after 1st July 2020 will require an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property (EICR) performed by a qualified person. Renewals in this case include statutory periodic tenancies that are created at the end of a fixed term on or after this date. For pre-existing tenancies, you will need to have an EICR performed on all existing tenancies before 1st April 2021.

The UK Government has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Improving the carbon footprint of housing will be a key objective for them over the coming years, and we expect properties in the private rented sector to be required to meet a minimum C rating by 2030, and an A rating before 2050.

In addition, the Government will be banning gas boilers from new build properties by 2025 – and in time will likely phase gas out from existing properties. Carbon dioxide emissions from the residential sector are currently around 18 percent of the UK total, according to Government statistics, with gas for heating and cooking one of the main sources – so will be a key target.