Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex Trading Standards work to improve rented accommodation in the borough

Housing officers at Hastings Borough Council and the East Sussex Trading Standards team are working on a joint project to investigate privately rented properties that have been let without an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

The officers will be working under regulations which state a valid EPC must be in place before the property is let. This means it must be in date at the time the property is let and have an energy efficiency rating of E or above. A copy of the EPC must be given free of charge to the person who rents the property.

EPCs show how energy efficient a property is and how much it is likely to cost to keep it warm, which makes it an essential document for tenants. Properties with the lowest ratings of F and G are likely to be colder and cost more to heat. Since 2018, under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), it has been unlawful to let a property with these ratings, unless the landlord has applied for an exemption.

Landlords are required to have a valid EPC certificate when commencing a new tenancy with new or existing tenants, and failure to do so may result in a fine of £200 being issued by Trading Standards for failing to comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012.

Letting agents are also required to provide a valid EPC to anyone expressing an interest in renting the property as well as the actual tenant when it is let. Failing to do so could be considered a misleading omission which is a prohibited practice under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for Housing at Hastings Borough Council, said,

"This is a great example of partnership working to help improve the quality of rented accommodation within our town. It is so important that properties have an EPC certificate in place with a rating of E or above so that tenant's homes are more energy efficient and cost them less to heat.

"For anyone struggling to keep warm at home, advice and support is available via the Warm Home Check Service. Residents who are on a low income or vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home may be eligible for government funded home insulation or heating improvements. Find out more by visiting https://new.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/support-to-stay-at-home/keep-warm, calling 0800 4647307 or texting WARM to 80011."

Richard Strawson, East Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, added,

"Properties with lower energy efficient ratings cost more to heat and keep warm. The requirements aim to reduce the number of energy inefficient properties being rented and we are keen to help with this.

"By working with Hastings Borough Council, we can ensure landlords are complying with the regulations and that tenants are living in energy efficient properties that are more cost effective to keep warm."

Landlords or Letting Agents who want further information about their obligations can visit https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/miscellaneous/energy-performance-certificates.

Residents who are concerned they are renting a property that does not have a valid EPC or has an EPC rating of an F or G can let the council know by completing the form on the Hastings Borough Council website www.hastings.gov.uk/MEES.