Page 28 - City Life Magazine - Winter 2021

28 Issue 57 • December 2021

HOUSING
Action to improve energy

efficiency of rented homes

The City Council has been awarded funding to tackle the least
energy-efficient private rented homes in Worcester, with the aim

of reducing fuel poverty.

In April 2020 the Government
brought in new regulations,
stating that all private rented
properties must have an Energy
Performance Certificate of ‘E’ or
higher. ‘A’ is the highest energy
efficiency rating, and ‘G’ is the
least energy efficient.
This means that it is no longer
legal to let out a property that has
a rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’.
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD
TENANTS GET?
Tenants must be given a copy of
the Energy Performance Certificate
by their landlord at the start of
the tenancy.

You can find a copy of yours by
searching for ‘EPC’ on the Gov.uk
website. The Certificate will list the
energy improvements needed to bring
the property up to standard. When
these are completed, a new EPC will • More cost-effective utility bills Landlords must contribute one third
be issued, which is valid for ten years. for tenants – making the property of the cost of the improvements.
more desirable to let and
LANDLORDS MUST BRING improving tenant satisfaction. Funding is allocated on a first-
PROPERTIES UP TO SCRATCH – • Reduced long-term property come, first-served basis and is
OR FACE A BIG FINE maintenance costs. delivered though the independent
Landlords who rent out a property • Reduced opportunity for damp charity Act on Energy.
with an ‘F’ or ‘G’ rating who have and mould to form because the
not registered a valid exemption home is kept warmer.  For more information:
are liable for a fine of up to £5,000. • Increased market value of W: www.actonenergy.org.uk
A further penalty can be imposed the property. T: 0800 988 2881
each time the property is re-let if it • Reduction in the carbon footprint
is still not compliant. of your property.

Worcester City Council is currently IS THERE ANY ASSISTANCE
investigating around 100 privately TO HELP ME IMPROVE MY
rented properties that have an ‘F’ PROPERTY?
or ‘G’ energy rating. Grant funding is available for
energy efficiency improvements to
ENERGY EFFICIENCY homes with an Energy Performance
IMPROVEMENTS – WHAT Certificate rating of ‘E’, ‘F’ or ‘G’.
BENEFITS FOR LANDLORDS? To be eligible, the tenant must
• Less risk of loss of rental income have a combined household
due to being unable to re-let income (including any benefits) of
under the regulations. under £30,000.

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