Landlords in Wales will need to ensure their private rental
properties meet tougher minimum energy efficiency standards from
1st April 2020 - but help is at hand through the
Welsh Government to support landlords in making sure they comply
with the law.
Domestic Private Rented Property in Wales are regulated by the
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. An EPC rating of E or
above is required on these properties in order to comply with
the law.
Landlords who let out a property under a domestic short-hold,
regulated or assured short-hold tenancy will be affected by the
change.
Since 1st of April 2018, tenancy agreements which started or
renewed after this date were required to meet the new minimum
levels immediately.
From 1st April 2020, the legislation will extend to cover
existing tenancies. This means any domestic rental property
that falls foul of the minimum requirements will be deemed
unlawful and the landlord may be subject to a civil penalty of
up to £5000.
There are a number of resources available that can help
landlords to comply, including schemes that may be able to
support with the cost of making energy improvements to your
property.
As part of the Welsh Government Warm Homes fund,
the NEST scheme offers a
range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a
package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a
new boiler, central heating or insulation.
The requirements of the legislation are also reflected in our
licence holder’s Code of Practice. Failure to meet the minimum
standards, can put your licence, and subsequently, your
business at risk.
Rent Smart Wales have been working to identify which properties
held on their database are currently below the minimum
standard. Landlords of non-compliant properties will be
contacted to remind them of their duty to comply, and to offer
potential help through signposting to schemes that may be able
to support with the cost of making energy improvements to their
properties.
Housing Minister, said:
“We want to ensure homes in Wales are energy efficient.
“The new standards introduced over the last few years will
ensure people who rent their home in Wales benefit from
warmer homes, which will help reduce energy costs and help
protect the environment.”
