EPC failure meant I can't get connected4warmth central heating

woeestme

Hi, at end of the last year I applied for the connectedforwarmth scheme for central heating, which I qualified for.  Unfortunately, the property failed the EPC test (lowest rating G), which means I don't qualify for central heating because the landlord is expected to bring the property up to required standard before work can go ahead.  The problem is that the property is a flat above a shop on a parade.  The building is owned by a freeholder who leases to owner/landlords who let to tenants.

The EPC failure is because of the lack of insulation on the flat roof and the sloping roof on the sides, which'd cost 20K to bring up to standard.(I'm not even sure if insulating the flat roof would be possible.)  Anyway, needless to say, the landlord won't upgrade the property.  However, I'm trying to see if I can get an exemption for the scheme in my case because the problem is more to do with the old structure of the building rather than lack of landlord DIY.  I looked on the EPC register and noticed that the other top floor flats have been given the same low rating for the same reasons.

[Deleted User]

Best of luck, but I am not sure why any dispensation would be granted. 

Carrot007

Time to move.

[Deleted User]

OP - you might want to discuss these changes to the Regulations with your landlord:

https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/mees-changes-for-england-and-wales.html

woeestme

Carrot007 said:

Time to move.

Why even bother with the keystrokes?  I'll leave it there because last time I got hammered by the moderators for defending myself.

Neil_Jones

woeestme said:

Carrot007 said:

Time to move.

Why even bother with the keystrokes?  I'll leave it there because last time I got hammered by the moderators for defending myself.

I think the point was if the landlord will not bring the property up to standard then you're probably on a hiding to nothing (from the EPC point of view) and if you want the better insulation/EPC rating you can probably find it in another flat from another more interested landlord for around about the same rent without having to jump through hoops.

Reed_Richards

[Deleted User] said:

OP - you might want to discuss these changes to the Regulations with your landlord:

https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/mees-changes-for-england-and-wales.html

Do these changes apply even if there is a sitting tenant?  

[Deleted User]

Reed_Richards said:

Dolor said:

OP - you might want to discuss these changes to the Regulations with your landlord:

https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/mees-changes-for-england-and-wales.html

Do these changes apply even if there is a sitting tenant?  

I believe that the answer is a very firm YES.

Quote: From 1 April 2020 the prohibition on letting properties with an EPC rating of F and G will be extended to cover all relevant properties, even where there has been no change of tenancy. Landlords with properties assessed at EPC F and G must now improve the property rating to E or register an exemption if they want to continue to let it. Unquote

Reed_Richards

So if the landlord fails to do either and the authorities find out then the landlord would be forbidden from renting the property and therefore the tenant would be obliged to find alternative accommodation?

QrizB

woeestme said:

Hi, at end of the last year I applied for the connectedforwarmth scheme for central heating, which I qualified for.  Unfortunately, the property failed the EPC test (lowest rating G), which means I don't qualify for central heating because the landlord is expected to bring the property up to required standard before work can go ahead.  ... cost 20K to bring up to standard. Anyway, needless to say, the landlord won't upgrade the property.

The connected for warmth website says:

If you’re a private tenant

 If you meet the criteria above you may also be eligible for the scheme. We will also need to secure your landlord’s permission AND they will need to make a financial contribution towards the scheme.

So are you saying your landlord is quite happy to contribute to the cost of the central hesating system, but not to the upgrades required to improve the EPC?

Reed_Richards said:

So if the landlord fails to do either and the authorities find out then the landlord would be forbidden from renting the property and therefore the tenant would be obliged to find alternative accommodation?

And there's the rub. Unless the landlord is simply ignorant of their legal responsibilities (and so will have a change of heart), it's likely the OP will have their tenancy terminated ant the next opportunity and the landlord will look for a less discerning replacement.

[Deleted User]

Reed_Richards said:

So if the landlord fails to do either and the authorities find out then the landlord would be forbidden from renting the property and therefore the tenant would be obliged to find alternative accommodation?

The Law is the law. The problem is that landlords get away with these things because tenants don’t like to make a fuss. That is why I suggested that there needs to be a conversation: the Landlord may then produce an exemption certificate or he may not.