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OTHER GUIDES & TIPS

Council offers landlords ‘enforcement amnesty’ over energy efficiency

A council says it’s offering landlords what it calls ‘an enforcement amnesty’ if they have failed to bring their rental units up to appropriate energy efficient standards.

Newcastle council has received almost £100,000 from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, officially designated to help the authority ”to engage with the most difficult to reach landlords with the worst performing properties.”

In fact a council statement admits the money is to be used for “innovative measures” including local radio ads, roadshows and workshops with landlords to raise awareness of the rules, free property surveys, as well as enhanced and targeted mail reminders and translation services to reach those not currently complying.

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Councillor Linda Hobson says: “This money will help us identify homes with the poorest energy ratings in areas with the greatest levels of deprivation.  

“We know that tenants in these areas are least likely to ask the landlord for a copy of their EPC or report problems. Without this funding we would struggle to reach these communities. 

“We are offering landlords an enforcement amnesty and help with compliance during the amnesty as we know many aren’t aware of the regulations rather actively avoiding EPC requirements. 

“The BEIS funding will help us to engage with private landlords and encourage them to work alongside us so they can access support and information while increasing enforcement action for landlords who refuse to engage with team.”

Since April last year privately rented homes must meet a minimum energy performance rating of EPC Band E, making it illegal to rent out homes below that unless landlords have a limited exemption. Landlords caught failing to fulfil their obligations can be fined of up to £5,000 per property and per breach.

The council claims the rule change is expected to see energy efficiency upgrades such as loft insulation, double glazing and cavity wall insulation being installed by landlords – with an estimated average bill saving of £180 a year for each home. 

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    If they know the areas where EPCs are likely to be below an E why not spent the money employing someone to sit down with the EPC register, identifying the properties below an E then cross referencing with other information to identify the rented one? They don't need to be innovative - just diligent!

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    Unfortunately these are two qualities never associated with Council employees!

     
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    Nothing like Councils to waste peoples money. AS you say its very easy to look through the register and identify those properties that fall below the requirements.

     
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    What is the point if my experience is repeated that EPC's bare no relationship to energy used heating a house. The methodology is based on theoretical assumptions which are not borne out in practice.You might as well stick a horseshoe above your door.

    What I find is more concerning is these council officials are not stupid they know EPCs are at the very best a very crude measure of energy efficiency yet in an area which is not noted for its affluence are wasting taxpayers money when there is so much deprivation around which desperately needs help and which this money could be better spent on .

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