Energy Efficiency Deadlines Scrapped for Landlords

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak’s announced in September that no legislation will be introduced that requires property owners to make energy efficiency improvements.  We hope that this eases everyone’s concerns regarding the previous EPC changes to landlords. Rishi Sunak has said that they will be scrapping policies that would require landlords to reach a C rating or above for any new tenancies from 2025 and any existing tenancies from 2028.

The current policy of all rental properties being a minimum E will remain in place. The government have advised they would encourage landlords to complete upgrades where possible to improve the property efficiency. They have further announced that the aim to phase out fossil fuel boilers by 2026 will now not be expected until 2035.

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy, and Campaigns at Propertymark says “Despite the cooling of approach from the Prime Minister we hope that this hands-off way of doing things allows homeowners and landlords to improve properties at a more flexible and affordable timetable which they can more easily manage.”

Renters Reform Bill

The Renters Reform bill has had its first reading and is currently going through its second reading.

The main provisions of the bill are:

• Abolish assured shorthold tenancies and replace these with assured tenancy agreements. 
• Provide a default right for a tenant to have pets, but landlords will be able to refuse on certain grounds; these are yet to be confirmed.
• Remove the section 21 (no fault eviction) but strengthen the grounds for section 8 notices, including new grounds for possession.
• Improve the court proceedings, some of you may know that the current system needs significant overhaul.
• Provide a landlord portal.
• A dedicated private rented sector ombudsman.

The above points are all subject to change whilst the legislation goes through the necessary readings.  After the second reading, the legislation goes to the committee stage, then the report stage; after these is a third reading then the final stage. Once these parts are complete the legislation goes for consideration and amendments before being put to Royal Assent and then becoming legislation. The expectation is still October 2024.

For further advice on the above points or any issues regarding lettings and property management please contact our Head of Property Management, Marc Fox on 01452 504813 or email marc.fox@naylorpowell.com.