Many of the EPC’s that we did 9 years ago are now about to expire and new ones ordered, but before you do... Have you heard that from next year, all properties have to be a minimum of EPC rating E in order to be rented?

It is estimated, that this will affect over 300,000 properties in the private rental sector, so action needs to be taken now to get ready for this requirement.

It only applied to new lets on properties for now, until 2020, then the minimum EPC rating will apply to ALL rented properties.

There are some Greed Deal initiatives launching soon, so it is important to ensure that when these launch, we collectively make the most of these (grants towards works) which will help both with the rental potential, the value of your property and to bring properties in line with the minimum EPC ratings.

So what should you do?

• Get a copy of your existing EPC, on there, there will be a grade that your property was previously rated at and a grade that your property COULD achieve with some improvement
• Start now looking at these list of works and schedule some works to implement as much as possible
• Keep an eye out looking for the greed deal initiative when its launched and apply immediately
• Remember that simple things like energy efficient light bulbs, and loft and tank insulation can make a big difference, so ensure done before your next EPC test is done.

If your property is Grade I or Grade II listed, then there is no need to have an EPC at this time, but if you HAVE had an EPC done at some time in the past, then you will need to make sure your property is up to a minimum grade of E, before it is re-let after April next year.

If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact our local agents and have a chat with them about possible solutions.

To find out more about MEES, David Cox (CEO of ARLA) talks with me around what landlords need to be doing right NOW to prepare themselves and their property for April next year.

Sally Lawson

CEO of Concentric Franchise

ARLA president