Bid to stop landlords renting homes with poor energy efficiency
Published: 28 October 2021
Exeter City Council has been awarded nearly £70,000 from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to help stop landlords renting out homes with poor energy efficiency.
Exeter is one of 59 local authorities who successfully bid for the funding to target the worst-performing privately rented homes in order to reduce carbon emissions and help reduce fuel poverty.
Since 1 April 2020, landlords can no longer let a property with an EPC rating of F & G, unless they have a valid exemption in place. The government propose to raise this to minimum rating of C by 2028 for all private tenancies and all home by 2035.
Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for Supporting People, said “Exeter very much welcomes this funding boost to help improve privately rented homes in the city. We can work with local residents to raise awareness of these regulations and signpost to the available financial assistance.
“We understand that the majority of local landlords meet their legal obligations however this funding will help us enforce the standards where necessary. The project will help those living in the private rented sector live in warm and affordable homes.”
Exeter City Council is using the funding to resource actively working within the city to identify properties currently being let with an EPC rating below E.
The Council is keen to engage with landlords in the first instance to offer information and support where needed. However, failure to engage and make improvements, may lead to the Council taking action including a fine of up to £5,000 per breach, per property.
The council works in partnership with Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) to provide free energy advice to all local residents and landlords. They can help landlords and their tenants access grant funding, save money and stay warm in their homes. Contact www.ecoe.org.uk on 0800 772 3617 or email healthyhomes@ecoe.org.uk.
If you rent, or are aware of a property in the city with an EPC rating of F or G, please contact the environmental health team on 01392 265147 or email environmental.health@exeter.gov.uk.