Green Housing Goes Into The Red
With the threat of increased EPC's hovering between 2025 and 2028, decent homes standards and the like just around the corner and no help for landlords likely, it is with some relief we heard government ministers back pedalling on commitments as 'people could not afford to spend £10-15 thousand per house at the moment, bringing them up to standard.' - one has to ask, did you only just realise?
What Changed
To be honest, it is hard to tell yet. Our understanding is the raised EPC requirement has been shelved indefinitely - a shame as most properties ought to be able to achieve a D rating and those that cannot need special treatment if they are to remain habitable.
Whether the decent homes standard went with it or stays as part of the Renters Reform Act remains to be seen - as does the question of whether the renters reform bill will make it onto the statute books in the next 4 months (our prediction) before Parliament shuts down for a General Election.
And what will the next government bring?
All we can say with any surety at present is that we probably have 6 months off from new regulations - so make the most of it.
About the author
Martin began his landlord journey 18 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 9 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.