Funding to help tackle landlords who break rules
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has been awarded a government grant of more than £67,000 for enforcement of energy efficiency standards in privately rented flats and houses.
Regulations now prohibit the renting out of properties with energy efficiency ratings of F or G. The funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will enable a dedicated officer to work with landlords of non-compliant properties who have not so far engaged with the council, or where further investigation is required.
The officer’s role will involve providing advice and support, such as signposting energy efficiency funding schemes for which landlords may be eligible. Where landlords breach the rules, the officer will be able to start enforcement proceedings.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Officer, Victoria Dexter, says:
‘My role is primarily to help private landlords in our borough to comply with the MEES regulations. If the current EPC rating is either F or G then it should not be rented out unless it has a valid exemption. We urge any landlord with a property with these lowest ratings to get in touch with us.’
Cllr Kim Tanner, TMBC’s cabinet lead on housing says:
‘Cold and draughty homes mean big bills for tenants and pose risks to their health. While most landlords want to do the right thing and meet their legal obligations there will always be some who need encouragement and guidance and as a last resort enforcement action to do so. I’m delighted we have secured this funding which will provide the resources we need to work with landlords to identify problem properties in our borough and find solutions, including helping them access grants which may be available to fund improvements.’
Further details can be found on the council’s website at: