Delay to energy efficiency regulations for landlords

Among the many new protocols which landlords have been working to adapt to is the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 which were set to require all homes in the private rented sector to have an EPC band E at the change of contracts as of 1 April 2020.

Remaining homes would need to meet the criteria in 2022.

However, Propertymark engaged with the Scottish Government outlining concerns that despite the regulations which were due to come into force this year, those same regulations and the appropriate guidance not yet been finalised or published. This would of course have a detrimental effect on landlords, not allowing them or their agents sufficient time to undertake any necessary works to meet the regulations.

The new deadline

The Scottish Government have now confirmed that, subject to parliamentary approval, whilst the regulations will be made on 1 April this year, the requirement on landlords at a change of tenancy will not come into force until October 2020. To support the implementation,there will be further consultation with the sector in the weeks and months ahead in an attempt to assist with any preparations for the October implementation.

Adrian Sansgter, Leasing Director at Aberdein Considine said: “This is of course extremely welcome news for all stakeholders, especially landlords.

It’s also a recognition that the wider sector has had numerous challenges to deal with in the last few years and it is vital that any new regulations are fully considered and well thought through before implementation.

The private rented sector is a critical part of the broader housing mix and any policy changes must not have the consequence of driving landlords away.”

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