It is estimated that up to 35% of properties in the UK could be unlettable by April 2018 if action is not taken to improve energy efficiency ratings. The Energy Act 2011 contains a provision for minimum energy standards, and from 1st April 2018 it will be unlawful for a landlord to lease a non-domestic property with an EPC Rating of less than E. It is not just those properties that are currently rated F/G that will be impacted by these new regulations. EPCs have a validity of 10 years. A property with an EPC from 2008 may last through three building regulations updates before the owner is legally required to produce another. In which time, the EPC could have dropped by a whole three rating bands. It is possible for a C-rated building to decline dangerously close to, or below, the E threshold by 2018.
Edie 26th Oct 2016 read more »