Windows in rental property

CathA

Hi all

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this but.....

My daughter has moved into a rental property with single glazed wooden windows, which are very old and probably the original ones from when the house was built.

I was talking to a neighbour the other day and she mentioned the windows, saying that the landlady needs to replace them, as it was a legal requirement (presumably she meant as either a security or energy efficiency matter).

I know quite a bit about renting etc; this was news to me and I'm pretty sure she is wrong. The landlady has said she is going to look at the windows, as she knows they are a bit knackered but we knew that when we moved in.

Am I right? Thanks, lovely people!

AdrianC

An EPC needs to be provided, but there's no minimum energy efficiency standard for rented property.

Yet.

From 2018, though, a minimum of band E for all new tenancies, 2020 for all.
http://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/minimum-energy-efficiency-standards.shtml

ognum

CathA wrote: »

Hi all

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this but.....

My daughter has moved into a rental property with single glazed wooden windows, which are very old and probably the original ones from when the house was built.

I was talking to a neighbour the other day and she mentioned the windows, saying that the landlady needs to replace them, as it was a legal requirement (presumably she meant as either a security or energy efficiency matter).

I know quite a bit about renting etc; this was news to me and I'm pretty sure she is wrong. The landlady has said she is going to look at the windows, as she knows they are a bit knackered but we knew that when we moved in.

Am I right? Thanks, lovely people!

Many people in owner occupied houses have single glazed windows and manage fine. Providing the property hits the required EPC standard for letting in 2018 the single glazed windows are fine

G_M

No legal requirement, but as the LL seems to be aware the windows need replacing, a polite friendly request (over tea and cake next time she visits for an inspection?) might result in an upgrade.

CathA

Thank you. I'll let the landlady know. With regards to the EPC , would the one that was used when the house was bought be the same one that is used/shown when the house is being rented? Thanks.

G_M

An EPC is valid for 10 years. It can be used for any purpose (ie selling or letting) during that period.

FBaby

Your daughter surely knew that the property was single glazed when she moved in. The monthly rent probably reflects this, so I would be amazed if the LL would agree to just change all the windows at this stage. It might be that a discussion is agreed that it will be changed at some stage, but your daughter will need to prepare for some increase in rent above inflation. Would she be able to afford it?

G_M

Yes, though upgrading the windows will increase the value of the property, both as a rental to future tenants, and if/when sold.

So assuming the LL has the funds available (they may not!) they might consider doing it for those reasons - and/or to keep a good tenant happy and in place long-term.

You can but ask (though splashing out on a really good cake might help swing things).

CathA

Luckily the landlady/owner is related, we all get on really well so can't see any problems. She is overseas at the mo and she's gonna have a look when she's next back. No dramas.
Thanks very much for the info, most helpful.