EPC rule changes in doubt

Housing secretary Michael Gove MP has hinted EPC reforms could be delayed.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph on July 23, he said the government was “asking too much too quickly” of landlords.

In the interview, he argued the government should "relax the pace" of proposed reforms which would prevent landlords from renting out their homes if they fail to meet a new minimum energy efficiency threshold by 2028.

He wrote: “We do want to move towards greater energy efficiency, but just at this point, when landlords face so much, I think that we should relax the pace that’s been set for people in the private rented sector, particularly because many of them are currently facing a big capital outlay in order to improve that efficiency.” rents across the country and excluding London had reached a new record of £1,190 per month. The property portal also produced figures to show 16% of properties currently on the market were previously rentals. This figure is up from 13% before the pandemic. Nik said: “Our meeting with Mr Zahawi was extremely positive. He was receptive and responsive and has promised to look into our concerns and raise them with the government.

The comments, while welcome for those landlords faced with a bill of thousands of pounds for the work to convert their properties to be compliant, are in contrast to the proposals which Mr Gove put forward in the Renters’ Reform Bill published in June.

Following a consultation in January 2021 it was proposed landlords would only be able to sign new tenancies if the properties achieved an EPC of C or above by April 2028.

It could have meant landlords spending thousands on fitting a heat pump, insulation or solar panels.

“He was the only MP in our patch who responded to not just our letter to Mr Gove regarding the Bill, but also our requests to meet and discuss the proposals which we believe will have a detrimental impact on both landlords and tenants and could result in landlords leaving the sector.

“If this happens it will be devastating to tenants who will find even fewer rentals available resulting in an increase in rent.”

Sheldon Bosley Knight’s head of lettings Becca Dean said: “This is welcome news for landlords but we do need clarity on when the rules will be changed and exact timescales on when landlords need to comply.

“It is curious the news comes out after the Bill has been published and just adds to the confusion and landlords’ anxiety. It is to be hoped this clarity comes as soon as possible.”