Do Landlords Need an EPC In Doncaster District?
This article has EPC Information For Landlords In Doncaster about energy performance certificates (EPCs) in the private rented sector.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluates a property’s energy efficiency, assigning a rating from A to G, where A indicates the highest efficiency and G the lowest.
Introduced in England and Wales in 2007, EPCs are a legal necessity for any property that is being sold, rented, or newly constructed.
Once issued, an EPC remains valid for 10 years.
The most energy-efficient homes, typically in band A, are expected to have the lowest energy costs.
The certificate also provides a similar rating for the property’s environmental impact, particularly its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Higher-rated homes usually contribute less to environmental pollution.
In the UK, the average property falls within band D. Alongside these ratings, the EPC includes suggestions for improving the property’s energy efficiency, which can help reduce costs and lessen environmental impact.
A landlord needs to obtain an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) in the following situations:
Individual house/dwelling:
For a self-contained property with its own kitchen and bathroom facilities, one EPC is required for the entire property.
Self-contained flats:
If the flat has its own entrance and facilities, one EPC is required per flat.
Bedsits or room lets:
Where rooms are rented individually but share a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet, no EPC is needed.
Shared flats/houses:
When renting out an entire flat or house under a single tenancy agreement, such as to students etc.
One EPC is required for the whole property.
Mixed accommodation:
For properties with both self-contained and non-self-contained units, an EPC is needed for each self-contained unit, but not for the rest of the property.
Rooms in halls of residence or hostels: No EPC is required for individual rooms in these types of accommodation.
Do landlords in Doncaster need an EPC for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)?
Not necessarily. The requirement for an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) depends on the type of property:
Individual house/dwelling:
For a self-contained property with its own kitchen and bathroom, one EPC is needed for the entire dwelling.
Self-contained flats:
Each flat with its own entrance and facilities requires one EPC.
Bedsits or room lets:
No EPC is needed if rooms are rented individually with shared kitchen, bathroom, or toilet facilities.
Shared flats/houses:
If the entire property is rented out under a single tenancy agreement (e.g., to students), one EPC covers the whole property.
Mixed self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation:
An EPC is required for each self-contained unit, but not for other parts of the property.
Rooms in halls of residence or hostels: No EPC is required for individual rooms.
Do HMOs Need an EPC? Understanding Energy Performance Certificate Requirements
If you are a landlord in the Doncaster area renting out a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), it’s crucial to determine whether an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required.
EPC information for landlords in Doncaster around HMO’s
Generally, HMOs don’t require separate EPCs for each unit.
However, exceptions depend on the property’s characteristics and its use. Understanding the exact classification of your rental property is essential to ensure compliance.
In cases where individual rooms are rented out with shared facilities like kitchens or bathrooms, an EPC is typically unnecessary.
This is because EPC requirements apply to entire buildings or parts of buildings designed for independent use. Renting out a single room does not meet this criterion.
For instance, if a property is rented to multiple tenants who each have a private bedroom but share communal areas, no EPC is required when a tenant vacates.
An EPC would only be needed if the whole property is rented out, sold, or newly constructed.
Similarly, in halls of residence where single rooms are leased, each room is not seen as an independent unit.
Therefore, an EPC is not necessary for each room. However, if the entire hall is sold, rented, or constructed, an EPC for the building is required.
This also applies to self-contained units within the hall, like a caretaker’s flat.
Current EPC Regulations for Landlords started April 2020
As of April 1, 2020, landlords are required to adhere to the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations.
So, these regulations prohibit renting properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating lower than E, unless a valid exemption is obtained.
If you are preparing to lease a property with an EPC rating of F or G, you must either upgrade the property’s rating to E or secure an exemption.
This must be done before finalising a new tenancy agreement.
For landlords in Doncaster who are already renting out a property with an EPC rating below E, immediate action is necessary.
You must either enhance the property’s rating to E or register for an exemption without delay.
If your property is vacant and you do not plan to rent it out right now, there is no immediate requirement to improve the properties EPC rating until you decide to let it again.
You can verify whether your property has a registered exemption by checking the government exemption register.
If you need an energy performance certificate Doncaster contact me for a fast and economic service.
This updated guideline ensures compliance with the latest energy efficiency standards, so be sure to review your property’s rating and take the appropriate steps as required.
Enforcement of MEES Regulations by Local Authorities
Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations and have various powers to ensure compliance.
If a local authority suspects that a landlord has not met their obligations under these regulations, they can issue a compliance notice.
This notice requests specific information to determine if there has been a breach.
If an investigation confirms that a breach has occurred, the landlord may face a financial penalty.
The compliance notice may ask for details related to the property, contracts and other relevant information.
By understanding the enforcement process and the potential consequences of non-compliance, landlords can take proactive steps to meet MEES requirements and avoid penalties.
If you need EPC information for landlords in Doncaster, just give me a call. It cost’s nothing and could save you £5000!
Commercial EPC Doncaster
A Commercial EPC certificate is not required, unless the property is used in a commercial way.
This does not mean ‘rented out in the Private Rented Sector.
Financial Penalties and Public Disclosure for MEES Breaches
If a local authority determines that a property has been let in violation of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations, they can impose a financial penalty.
Furthermore, this can occur up to 18 months after the breach is confirmed. Additionally, the authority may publish details of the breach for a minimum of 12 months.
The local authority has discretion in setting the penalty amount, within the maximum limits established by the MEES Regulations.
These maximum penalty amounts apply per property and for each instance of non-compliance. Thre are various financial penalties for each breach.
Starting form £2000, but the total fine for one property is currently set at £5000.
I charge £60 for an EPC on a three bedroomed house in Doncaster
This is an easy total to get to if you don’t have an EPC!
Section 21 eviction notice without an EPC
Importantly, landlords should also understand that where there is a requirement to provide an EPC.
If a landlord does not provide a tenant with a copy of the EPC at the start of a tenancy agreement they are not be able to serve a tenant with a Section 21 eviction notice should they need to.
In conclusion, EPC information for landlords in Doncaster is available here and on govenment websites.
It’s better to know where you stand! And how to maximize your property value with an EPC
Firstly, have a good read of the government regulations. So, you know where you stand.
Above all, if you are not sure, give me a call at anytime for accurate and free advice on energy performance certificates for landlords.
About Paul, a government licenced EPC assessor.
Paul.
