UNDER new Government regulations, private landlords in Thurrock must ensure rented properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E or above, unless they have a valid exemption in place.
The new rules, brought in by the Government to strengthen safety standards, will apply to all privately rented properties including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This will affect new and existing tenancies from 1 July 2020 which are required to have an EPC.
Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “These regulations will bring the private sector in line with council properties where a full electrical safety test is undertaken at the start of a tenancy and then every five years.”
Any electrical safety tests must be undertaken by a qualified person before new tenancies begin, on existing tenancies by 1 April 2021 and at least every five years during a tenancy. Landlords will need to provide a copy of reports to their tenants, and to Thurrock Council if requested.
Cllr Johnson added: “We can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 to landlords who don’t comply with remedial works following any tests.
“This is a major step towards making sure the private rented sector offers housing that our residents deserve.”
For more information, visit thurrock.gov.uk/private-housing
