Landlords must improve Draughty Properties

Landlords must improve draughty properties

St Albans and Harpenden Landlords may be interested in reading through this article, particularly if you are the owner of an older property that lacks double glazing, modern doors and insulation measures. It will soon be law that Landlords must improve draughty properties to comply with new EPC guidance.


Luckily most homes in the local area already have significant improvements since the introduction of EPC’s and HIPS in 2005/2006, but some older homes that are new to the market may be caught out by the new laws which could significantly impede any plans to generate an income from empty property.


Not only this, but properties with low EPC ratings give tenants and buyers significant leverage when making offers due to perceived higher heating bills. Since Landlords must improve draughty properties it is worth spending the extra to provide adequate insulation and draught prevention measures where required.


“Landlords with properties rated F and G will be unable to let them out from 1 April 2018 as new legislation will see landlords banned from renting out England and Wales’ draughtiest homes.


The regulations also mean that from 1 April 2016, tenants living in F and G rated homes will be able to request improvements, such as more insulation. The landlord will then be legally bound to bring the property up to an E rating.


Almost 10% of England and Wales’ 4.2m privately rented homes* currently fall below the E rating. (Source: Government statistics, February 2015).


It is estimated that….[Read More..] “






For more information on how you can improve your EPC rating, refer to the existing EPC for your property which you can access on The EPC Register by using your postcode and searching for your house number. Once you open the EPC, it will contain guidance on improvements that can be made to boost your EPC rating. A re-assessment will cost anywhere between £40.00 and £100.00 to complete, with certificates usually dispatched via email within three working days.