What Are the Upcoming EPC Changes?
From the 1 April 2018, it will become unlawful for landlords of non-domestic private rented properties to grant tenancy to new or renew or extend existing tenants if their property has an EPC rating of band F or G, unless an exemption applies or the landlord has made all the relevant energy efficiency improvements.
So which properties do the new EPC rules apply to?
•domestic properties in the private rental sector
•on a lease between 6 months and 99 years
•Properties in England and Wales. (Scotland currently has a similar legislation that is already in place.)
Without an EPC rated E or above, landlords face civil and criminal penalties for signing a new tenancy, or renewing an existing tenancy, from 1st April 2018. There are fines of up to £5,000 for landlords that are found in breach of the legislation.