Wealden District Council have secured £19,500 from the Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy (BEIS) to help stop landlords renting out energy inefficient homes.
“Since April last year, privately rented homes must meet a minimum energy performance rating of EPC Band E, making it illegal to rent out homes below that unless landlords have a registered exemption,” said Councillor Ray Cade, Housing and Benefits Portfolio Holder, “Landlords caught failing to fulfil their obligations can be fined up to £5,000 per property. However, we want to work with landlords to help them understand their obligations and help improve the worst performing properties.”
Badly insulated properties often leave those renting their homes struggling to keep warm and with higher energy bills. Wealden are one of 59 councils to secure funding, designed to help them engage with the most difficult to reach landlords with the worst performing properties. Early research indicates there are approximately 279 properties in Wealden that don’t comply with the new regulations.