Lettings Ponderings

Back in November 2022, Bletsoes wrote to those Landlords whose properties were identified as likely to be affected by the Government’s proposed new EPC regulations. In Autumn 2020, the Government started a consultation on tightening The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 even further, by looking to improve the energy performance rating of private rented properties. At the time of writing to our Landlords, the proposals were just that, and no regulations had been drafted.

During the Prime Minister’s speech about Net Zero, on the 20th September 2023, Rishi Sunak announced that no legislation will be introduced requiring property owners to make energy efficiency improvements and extra money will be made available to those wanting to replace current heating systems with a Heat pump or Biomass boiler.

Mr Sunak said the UK Government are still committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 but a new approach was needed, which should be realistic.

Although the UK Government will continue to encourage improvements, policies to force Landlords to make improvements to their properties, which in turn would increase the EPC ratings have been ruled out.

Bletsoes are hopeful this will bring a sense of relief to many of our Landlords by negating the prospect of additional costs and no Wind turbines would need to be installed in back gardens around the Country, as one of the recommendations on many an EPC!

Another positive note for Landlords, taken from the Prime Minister’s speech, was the announcement that the grant available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will be increased from £5,000 to £7,500, and will not be required to be paid back. It is available to those wishing to change their current heating system to Heat pumps or a Biomass boiler.

We at Bletsoes believe that any future targets must provide incentives for Landlords and encourage them, rather than penalise and can only hope if there is a change of Government after the general election next year, that the new Government will be of a similar mindset.

We are hopeful this revised approach will allow Landlords to improve their properties according to their own timescale and budgets.

If you would like some more information on the types of service the Bletsoes Lettings Team offer, then please do get in touch and a member of the Team will be happy to help.

Teresa Mutton

Residential Lettings Manager