Wrong efficiency ratings given to 100,000 homes, claim BRE
The BRE claim that the properties have been wrongly issued with F and G classifications under the government’s Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) scheme, with the firm arguing that EPCs can understate the energy efficiency of homes with solid walls and un-insulated cavity walls.
The statistics, which follow the government’s announcement of deadlines for energy efficiency compliance in rental properties, have been highlighted by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), with the group campaigning for greater accuracy in the allocation of ratings, while also being in talks with the government over the issue.
The first energy efficiency deadline, of April 2018, will make it illegal for new lets to have an F or G EPC rating, with the minimum E rating also applying to existing tenancies by 2020, while the government aim to enforce a baseline rating of C by 2030.
Richard Jones, policy adviser and secretary at the RLA, explains how the company have major concerns over the potentially inaccurate ratings given to homes.
“These ratings form the basis for the new compulsion requirements imposing a minimum E banding from 2018 onwards, starting with new lets and moving onto existing lets,” he said.
“The BRE estimates that around 100,000 properties have an incorrect F and G rating so these ratings should be better than they are. This means some of those currently rated at the lowest banding Band G ought to be reclassified as Band F and quite a number of those that are in Band F do in fact meet the Band E requirement.
“We are making repeated representations to the Government on this issue because we firmly believe that EPCs must be accurate before compulsion is brought in.”
