North Somerset landlords can save thousands on upgrading their property stock to boost energy performance, to comply with the new restrictions arriving 1st April 2020. They need to now ensure they comply with MEES Regulations making it illegal for a landlord to grant a tenancy of a residential property which has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G. The good news is unlike other councils, North Somerset is making full funding available as part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. This means landlords can get extensive work, worth thousands, completed free of charge. But they must act now.
What are the new regulations?
The MEES Regulations will apply to all lettings of residential property, including existing tenancies which started before 1st April 2018. With fines of up to £4,000 (per regulation breach), landlords need to act now to ensure they comply. In order to avoid being in breach of the MEES Regulations, landlords have to take immediate steps to bring their properties up to standard. This applies to everyone, unless they have a valid reason, meaning a landlord can register an exemption. Reasons can include: If a tenant refuses to give approval for improvement works to be done; If a landlord is unable to obtain consent to carry out works from a third party, or if the necessary improvement works will cost more than £3,500.
How can landlords improve their rating?
Working with a council-approved partner like Zing Energy, landlords can undertake a series of improvements to ensure they boost their EPG rating, ranging from upgrading heating systems, loft and cavity insulation or switching to renewables. However a property’s EPC rating will not always require significant works to be undertaken. This can include for example using low energy lightbulbs.
Is there funding available?
The good news for landlords in North Somerset is that they can get the work fully funded. This is due to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) which is an obligation on energy suppliers aimed at helping households cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. As part of this local authorities can set their own qualification criteria in order for private homeowners to access grants to ensure they improve energy efficiency. North Somerset Council are making full funding available to landlords, but landlords need to act now ahead of the 1st April cut off!
Who qualifies?
North Somerset local authority is offering full grant funding for landlords with properties that are electric or solid fuel. Options for upgrading include fully-funded installation of modern heating systems and insulation.
Why work with us?
Zing Energy has a series of expert contractors who can boost the performance from an F to C, future proofing landlords from further MEES regulation changes. We have been onboarded by North Somerset council as a preferred supplier, as we work closely with the big utility companies. We are rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot for our work and we have improved the EPC rating of thousands of households across the country.
The list of grants available for landlords includes:
- First Time Central Heating
Mains Gas & LPG - Internal Wall Insulation
- Room in the Roof Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Electric Storage Heater Upgrades
Get in contact now for an expert consultation and we can unlock the funding to ensure you don’t fall foul of the regulations.
