Legislation and penalties
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 establish a minimum level of energy efficiency for privately rented property in England and Wales.
Requirements are in force from 1 April 2018. This means that from 1 April 2018, landlords of privately rented property in England or Wales must ensure that their properties reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.
These requirements will apply to all private rented properties in England and Wales, even where there has been no change in tenancy arrangements from 1 April 2023 for non-domestic properties.
Trading Standards are responsible for enforcing the regulations in relation to non-domestic premises.
Since 1 April 2018 all properties that are being offered for let must have a minimum E rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
This means that it is now prohibited to offer a new tenancy for an F or G rated property unless it meets one of the limited exemptions
| Non compliance | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Providing misleading information | Financial penalty not exceeding £5,000 and publication of non-compliance |
| Renting out a non-compliant property for less than 3 months | 10% of rateable value with a minimum penalty of £5,000 and a maximum penalty of £50,000 and publication of non-compliance |
| Renting out a non-compliant property for more than 3 months | 20% of rateable value with a minimum penalty of £10,000 and a maximum penalty of £150,000 and publication of non-compliance |
Business Compliance Team
Open 9am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)