By Landlords in Grimsby and Cleethorpes could be fined £5,000 for energy inefficient properties
Housing officers from North East Lincolnshire Council have warned that landlords in Grimsby and Cleethorpes could face hefty fines under new Government legislation if they let properties which are energy inefficient.
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation was renewed in April last year, and requires all rented properties on new or existing tenancies to hold an Energy Efficiency Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above.
Properties with an EPC rating of F or G are no longer allowed to be let, unless exemptions apply.
Landlords in the area who plan to let a property with an EPC rating of F or G will first need to improve the property’s rating to E, or register an exemption, before they enter a new tenancy.
To help fund these improvements, Landlords may find they are eligible for funding though either North East Lincolnshire Council’s Energy Repayment Loan, or the Government’s Green Homes Grant funding.
Landlords who fail to comply with the legislation could receive fines of up to £5,000 per property.
Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “With many of us spending much more time at home, it has never been more important that homes are well insulated and energy efficient.
“If you are a landlord, I urge you to act now and ensure that the energy performance of your properties meet the standards and in return reduce energy bills, keep your tenants safe and avoid enforcement action.
“Full guidance on how to check, improve and fund your properties energy performance, or register for an exemption, can be found via gov.uk. You can also get in touch with our Home Improvement Team for advice.”
For further details on this or help to access funding to improve the energy efficiency of your rental property, call the Home Improvement Team on (01472) 324727 or email homeimprovementteam@nelincs.gov.uk.
Full guidance for landlords on how to comply with the 2018 ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard (EPC band E) can be found at: Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – landlord guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
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