Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do the minimum standard regulations come into force?
The regulations come into effect for new domestic tenancy agreements from the 1 April 2018, and will apply to all tenancies (including long-term tenancies) from 1 April 2020.
Q: What types of tenancies are covered by these Regulations?
An assured tenancy (including an assured shorthold tenancy) defined in the Housing Act 1988.
A regulated tenancy defined in the Rent Act 1977.
An agricultural tenancy as set out in the Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) Order 2015
A regulated tenancy defined in the Rent Act 1977.
An agricultural tenancy as set out in the Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) Order 2015
Q: Are these Regulations UK wide?
A: These Regulations apply to properties rented in England and Wales only. They do not apply to rental properties situated in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Q: Do all privately rented domestic properties need to be at EPC E by 1 April 2018?
A: No. All domestic private rental properties must be at a minimum of EPC band E by 1 April 2020 (or have a valid exemption registered for them). Between 1 April 2018 and 1 April 2020 properties will only need to meet the standard (or have a valid exemption registered) at the point at which a new tenancy is entered into. Where no new tenancy has been entered into, a private rental property may be lawfully let below EPC band E up until 1 April 2020. Apply Now
Q: How do I arrange an assessment in order to determine my property’s EPC rating and (if necessary what improvement works are needed to bring the Minimum Standard) who would perform the assessment?
A: You can search for an accredited assessor to undertake a domestic EPC assessment here32. Since 2007 all rental properties (with few exceptions) have been required to have a valid EPC before being let on a new tenancy. Therefore you should already have an EPC for your rental property, and do not have one is unlawful. If you do not have an EPC for the property that you rent, you should make arrangements to obtain one immediately. Golden Globe is there to help out you in this regard.
Q: Are Houses in Multiple Occupation ( HMOs ) excluded from the PRS Regulations?
A: HMOs are not excluded from the Regulations. The Regulations apply to all privately rented properties that are legally required to have an EPC, and where rooms are let on one of the qualifying types (most likely assured tenancies). An HMO will be in scope where it meets these criteria. However, individual rooms within HMOs are not required to have their own EPC, so a property which is an HMO will only have an EPC if one is required for the property as a whole (typically this will be if the property has been built, sold or rented as a single unit at any time in the past 10 years). If an HMO is legally required to have an EPC, and if it is let on one of the qualifying tenancy types, then it will be required to comply with the minimum level of energy efficiency.