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Energy efficiency and private sector landlords

Energy efficiency and private sector landlords. Abbie Brook - Norwich City Council Katy Hughes – Broadland District Council. What we will be covering. Part 1 – Update on Energy Performance Certificates and requirements for landlords

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Energy efficiency and private sector landlords

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  1. Energy efficiency and private sector landlords Abbie Brook - Norwich City Council Katy Hughes – Broadland District Council

  2. What we will be covering • Part 1 – Update on Energy Performance Certificates and requirements for landlords • Part 2 – Details of funding available to private sector landlords for energy efficiency improvements • Some information on funding will be applicable to all Local Authority areas and some will be specific to Norwich City Council or Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils

  3. What is an EPC? • Report showing the energy rating and running costs for the property • Lists recommended improvements to make the property more energy efficient • Valid for 10 years • Typical rating is D or E (51)

  4. Requirements for landlords • To have an EPC produced upon the first change of tenancy after October 1st 2008 • To make the EPC available to all prospective tenants “at an early stage”, defined as “when first providing written details or viewing” • This applies to you or your lettings agent but is ultimately your responsibility • Electronic or hard copies are acceptable • To provide your new tenant with a copy of the EPC once they have moved in

  5. Exemptions • “An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained. It is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities, where a tenant has a separate contract with the landlord.” • Guidance documents are available for landlords and tenants on www.communities.gov.uk • If you are in any doubt contact Communities and Local Government – 0207 944 4400

  6. Enforcement • Not enforced by local Councils • Enforced by Trading Standards (Norfolk County Council) • Breach of regulations could lead to a fine of £200 for each breach

  7. How do I get an EPC? • EPCs can only be produced by a qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor or Home Inspector • Landmark central register – a list of all qualified and accredited individuals (www.hcrregister.com) • If using a DEA from the Yellow pages etc then you should always check that they are accredited using Landmark

  8. Benefits of an energy efficient rental property • Improved asset value • Warmer, healthier living environment for tenants • Fewer tenant complaints (often a result of cold conditions, high energy bills or damp and mould) • Often less maintenance required • Lower running costs make your property more attractive to potential tenants • Lower energy bills and less outgoings for tenants make them less likely to fall into arrears

  9. Part 2 – Funding for energy efficiency improvements • Energy Supplier Grants (CERT funding) • Subsidised loft and cavity wall insulation available to all home owners & private tenants • Not dependent on financial status • Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) • Private & corporate landlords can receive an income tax deduction on insulation measures • Claims of up to £1,500 per property per year • Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk or call 0845 900 0444

  10. Warm Front • Government-funded grant scheme • Provides a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700 for gas & electrically heated properties and £4,000 for oil • Some conditions for landlords (e.g. rent increases – see Landlord fact sheet) • Dependent on tenant’s benefit status • Tenants over the age of 60 may be able to claim £300 towards the cost of a new boiler

  11. Broadland and South Norfolk • The Broadland & South Norfolk Energy Team can advise tenants in both districts • Hotline no. 01603 430627 • Both the councils are continually reviewing how to work more effectively with landlords to enable energy efficiency improvements in the private rented sector • Broadland are: • Considering direct grant aid for low cost measures e.g. insulation • Considering interest-free loans for heating / hot water systems (repair or installation) • Tied to membership of Landlord Accreditation Scheme & current EPC • Decision by end of March 2009

  12. Norwich Warm Let • Norwich City Council pilot scheme • Launched in December 2008 • Only criteria are that you must be accredited through the GNLA scheme and have a valid EPC • Provides up to £6,000 per property based on the recommendations within the EPC • £1,000 towards ‘low cost’ measures (e.g. loft insulation, cavity wall insulation) • If all lower cost measures are completed for the property further funding can be accessed

  13. Continued . . • Up to £1,500 for heating and hot water improvements • Up to £1,500 for double or secondary glazing • Up to £2,000 for solid wall insulation • Norwich City Council will provide you with an updated EPC for free once your measures have been installed

  14. Questions? Norwich City Council Warm Let Team 01603 212979 homeenergy@norwich.gov.uk Broadland and South Norfolk Energy Team 01603 430627 energy@broadland.gov.uk Communities and Local Government 0207 944 4400 www.communities.gov.uk/epbd

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