Exeter tenants and landlords can access free advice on keeping homes warm

Published: 2 December 2021

Residents struggling with high fuel bills are being urged can take advantage of a free money-saving advice call or home visit from community-based experts Exeter Community Energy.

Friday 3 of December is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, which highlights the difficulty many families face in paying rising fuel costs, socially over winter, and offers advice on what help is on offer.

Homes with a poor energy rating are much more expensive to keep warm.

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.

The City Council is working to identify properties currently being let with an EPC rating below E.

It 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.