Thu 21 Sep 2023
Future Energy Efficiency Requirements To Ease For Landlords !
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has introduced a more lenient approach to the government's energy efficiency requirements, specifically targeting homeowners and Landlords. These adjustments aim to alleviate financial burdens while still working towards the ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Sunak's recent address indicates potential changes in the required Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for properties and a reconsideration of the gas boiler ban timeline.
Abandoning the EPC C Upgrade Mandate for Landlords
Previously, the government had proposed compelling Landlords to enhance their properties to attain an EPC C rating by 2025 for new tenancies and by 2028 for all tenancies. However, Sunak has now signaled that homeowners and Landlords may no longer be obliged to meet these elevated energy efficiency benchmarks. This means Landlords will be relieved of the potential financial burden of investing up to £10,000 in upgrades, and there will be no penalties for those failing to meet the new standards. Instead, Landlords and homeowners will be encouraged to pursue energy efficiency upgrades voluntarily.
Extended Transition Period for Gas Boiler Phase-Out
Rishi Sunak has announced an extended timeline for households to transition to heat pumps or other low-carbon alternatives, with only 80% of gas boilers now expected to be phased out by 2035. Off-grid gas homes will also have until 2035 to complete their upgrades. This extension avoids imposing immediate financial pressure on households, preventing the need for expenditures ranging from £10,000 to £15,000 on upgrades within the next three years.
"We will never compel anyone to remove their existing boiler and replace it with a heat pump," assures Sunak. "The transition will only be required when replacing your boiler naturally—and even then, not until 2035."
Enhanced Support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
In conjunction with the timeline extension, Sunak has unveiled updates to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides grants to offset a portion of the costs associated with replacing gas boilers with heat pumps or biomass boilers. These grants will see a 50% increase, enabling individuals to access up to £7,500 in support. The Guardian reports that Octopus Energy offers a heat pump installation for free when utilising this government support.
Please note that this article serves as a general informational guide and does not constitute legal advice. For more comprehensive information, please visit gov.uk.