Generally works that might unacceptably alter a building’s character and appearance in conservation areas would be those that affect the outside of the building rather than the inside.
ARE THERE OTHER BUILDINGS EXEMPT FROM THE NEED TO HAVE AN EPC? Other exemptions include: • Places of worship
• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years
• Stand-alone buildings (less than 50 square metres of floor-space)
• Industrial sites, workshops and non- residential agricultural buildings that don’t use a lot of energy
• Some buildings that are due to be demolished
• Holiday accommodation rented out for less than four months a year
• Residential buildings intended to be used less than four months a year
ARE BUILDINGS WHICH ARE EXEMPT FOR THE NEED TO HAVE AN EPC ALSO EXEMPT FROM NEEDING TO COMPLY WITH THE MINIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR REGULATIONS 2015? If the building is exempt from requiring an EPC then it does not come within the scope of the Private Rented Sector Regulations. However, if the building already has an EPC then it will be within the scope of these regulations.
IS AN EPC REQUIRED FOR A GREEN DEAL PLAN? An EPC is required for a Green Deal Plan regardless of whether the building is listed or in a conservation area.
Minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented property
From 1 April 2016 through to 1 April 2023 new regulations, ‘Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015,’ come into force for properties that are privately let.
From 1 April 2016: A tenant of a domestic private rented property may request the consent of the landlord to make energy efficiency improvements to the property.
From 1 April 2018: There is a requirement for all properties let on new or renewed tenancies to have a minimum EPC rating of E unless there is an applicable exemption.
From 1 April 2020: All existing domestic tenancies will be required to achieve a minimum EPC rating of E.
From 1 April 2023: All existing non-domestic tenancies will be required to achieve a minimum EPC rating of E.
Here are some common questions relating to these regulations and older buildings:
IF I HAVE NO EPC BECAUSE THE BUILDING I OWN IS LEGALLY EXEMPT, DO I NEED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS? If a building does not legally require an EPC because it qualifies for an exemption then it will not need to comply with these regulations. Since January 2013 there has been a qualified exemption for listed buildings so that they are not generally required to have an EPC when sold or let. This qualified exemption now also includes buildings in conservation areas. For more details on what the ‘qualified exemption’ means, see above.
IF I HAVE A LISTED PROPERTY THAT ALREADY HAS AN EPC, DO I NEED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS? If the listed building already has an EPC, which may have been obtained before January 2013, then the property will be within scope of the regulations. If the EPC has an F or G rating then some energy efficiency improvements will be required so that it achieves a level E or above.
To improve a property which currently has an EPC rating of F or G, various measures can be considered which may have very minimal or no impact on character and appearance. These might include:
• Installing a more energy efficient boiler • Changing fuel source • Adding additional loft insulation • Secondary glazing to windows • Draught-proofing
ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS INCLUDED IN THESE REGULATIONS? There are several issues that may qualify the property being placed on the National PRS Exemptions Register for a period of 5 years. These include:
• The landlord being unable to obtain third party consent for the works. This might include listed building consent or planning permission from the local planning authority.
• Where the installation of measures might devalue the property by more than 5%.
• Where a measure such as solid wall insulation would risk compromising the building fabric.
For a full list of exemptions and their detailed conditions see the guidance produced by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
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