ARLA Propertymark Chief Executive comments on Government’s proposed cap for private landlords for EPC improvements

David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark commented on the Government’s proposed cap for private landlords for EPC improvements to their rented properties earlier this week:

“Yesterday’s (Monday) announcement that landlords will need to pay the first £3,500 to make improvements to their properties to ensure they are minimum EPC rated E or higher, is bad news for the private rented sector. Over the last few years, the financial burdens faced by landlords have increased time after time, which is pushing rent costs up and driving buy-to-let investors out of the market. Under the Energy Act 2011, the Government pledged to avoid any ‘upfront costs’ for landlords – a principle which has been disregarded by setting the cap as high as £3,500.

“The Government should now show its support for landlords by reintroducing the Landlords’ Energy Saving Allowance (LESA) and extending it to include anything contained within the Recommendations Report of an EPC.”