ting System (HHSRS) see HHSRS for Landlords and Property Related Professionals.
The EPC rating of a property cannot be considered in isolation. Even if a property meets and EPC E, landlords will need to provide adequate heating and thermal comfort. Local Authorities can issue penalties of up to £30,000 when hazards such as excess cold are identified in a property.
Listed Buildings and Conservation
Historic Buildings, Listed Buildings or buildings within a conservation area are exempt if:
"compliance with the minimum energy requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance".
This is not a blanket exemption. If a building is protected it may still be possible to make improvements. This is only possible where the character or appearance is not altered.
Unacceptable alterations in most protected buildings would be:
- Double Glazing
- New doors and windows
- External wall insulation
- External boiler flues
However, there are many more low impact measures that may be acceptable. The onus is on the owner to understand which works may, or may not, be permitted on their property.
When applying for an exemption, owners will need to evidence that:
- All recommended measures on their EPC would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of the building. And
- That none of the recommended measures could have been carried out, to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
Owners of such properties should seek advice from the Planning Department and apply for planning permission where necessary.
Please visit Historic England for further information.
What help is available?
East Sussex Keep Warm and Well Service offer advice and assistance to tenants who are at risk from living in a cold and energy inefficient home. Depending on eligibility and availability, measures could include installation of central heating, heating upgrades, insulation and low carbon heating improvements
Please visit Keep warm keep well for further information.
The Government has launched a new interactive online service which provides a home energy MOT and recommendations for energy efficiency improvements: Find ways to save energy in your home.
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