Implementation of minimum EPC rating for rental properties from 1st April 2020 .... the problem and the solution!

Problem: Implementation of Minimum “EPC” rating to enable property to be let

Solution:  Read Below

The Energy Performance Certificate (“EPC”) rules are being tightened up so that:

• As from from 1 April 2020, any new tenancy will require the property to have an EPC rating of at least band “E” to enable the property to be legally available to be let.
• By 31 March 2022, all rental properties require to have a Band E property rating.
• By 31 March 2025, all rental properties will need to have at least an EPC band D rating.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/energy-efficient-scotland-frequently-asked-questions-private-rented-sector/

There is some ‘free’ funding available to help landlords with the improvements required to achieve these higher standards so long as their tenants are registered for at least of the benefits set out in Appendix 1.  This covers things like:

• Internal Wall Insulation for stone/solid/system built properties (eg old tenements, bungalows, etc) heated by (a) plug in mobile heaters, (b) electric storage heaters or (c) electric panel/room heaters.
• Loft insulation for properties with less than 100mm of existing loft insulation, this can be topped up to 400mm.
• Cavity wall insulation for properties that have not had treatment for cavity wall insulation before. 
• Room in roof insulation - this is where a room has been built into the loft area, but doesn’t have adequate insulation.
• Under Floor Insulation – must have access hatch to under floor and 1m clear head room.
• First time central heating – for properties that don’t have a current central heating system,  there is funding for a full central heating system. This will start from January 2019.

Experience of ‘free’ funding schemes is that it is best to get in quick before the money runs out ..... so do not delay!

Appendix A

The benefits mentioned above are as follows:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Personal Independence payment (PiP)

Attendance Allowance

Carer’s Allowance

Severe disablement allowance

Industrial injuries disablement benefit

Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)

Income Support

Pension Guarantee Credit

Tax Credits (Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit)

Universal Credit

Child Benefit   

#bathgate #bonnyrigg #bo’ness #boness #dalkeith #edinburgh #falkirk #grangemouth #kelso #linlithgow #livingston #loanhead #musselburgh #penicuik #stirling #property #buytolet #realestate #ownermanagedbusiness #retirement #retirementplanning #energyefficiency #privaterentedsector #prs #firsttimebuyers #brexit #hardbrexit #cliffedge #epc #childbenefit #benefits