A council has issued a stern warning to landlords that the current situation in which hundreds of homes have non-compliant EPC ratings “cannot continue.”

Over the last year the private sector housing team of Brighton’s Labour-controlled council has done what it calls “a lot of work” to enforce Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. 

The current MEES regulations mean that landlords must ensure their properties have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E or above.  

In the last 12 months, 740 privately rented properties in Brighton & Hove area were found to be rated F or G on their EPC – the lowest, and non-compliant, ratings. 

“This cannot continue” says a statement from the council.

The statement goes on to say: “Landlords in the city should be aware that if they fail to make improvements and do not keep their properties up to the required standard, they risk a financial penalty of up to £5,000 per breach, per property. The council will have no hesitation in implementing these penalties should landlords continue to fail to resolve any such issue.  In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of privately rented properties, improving energy efficiency also offers tenants cheaper energy bills.”

“Our priority is always the health and safety of residents of Brighton & Hove. Failure to comply will not be tolerated. A low EPC rating often signifies related problems in the property. 

“More energy efficient properties are not only better for our environment; they are also cheaper to heat and more comfortable for tenants to live in.”