EPC Changes and Landlords

EPC Changes and Landlords

From 1st April 2020, it will be unlawful to let a residential property that has an EPC rating of F or G.

Previously this only applied to new tenancies but from 1st April 2020, it will apply to all residential tenancies.

There are some exemptions, for example:

• where an existing tenant refuses to give consent for improvement works to be carried out or
• the cost of the works will cost you more than £3,500 (but you will have to apply for the exemption on the PRS Exemptions register*)

*This can be done online at prsregister.beis.gov.uk

See the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 for more detail.

Limits on Fees Charged to Tenants

The Tenants Fees Act 2019 means that from 1st June 2019 for all new tenancies and from 1st June 2020 for all existing tenancies, Landlords and agents will not be able to charge residential tenants for anything except rent, tenancy deposits or holding deposits and cannot charge the cost of an inventory, or carrying out credit or reference checks.

They can charge default fees eg. for late rent but this must be included in the tenancy agreement.

The maximum amount of the tenancy deposit will be capped at 5 weeks rent and for a holding deposit at 1 weeks rent.

Landlords face large fines and potentially a criminal offence if they breach these rules.

How Kerseys Can Help

If you require advice about buying or selling a property or conveyancing please call Jane Riley, Head of our Residential Conveyancing Team.