Landlords who continue to rent out energy-inefficient homes can now be fined up to £5,000.
It is in a bid to improve some of the worst housing stock on the Isle of Wight, and potentially reduce energy bills at a time when the cost of living crisis is hitting residents.
New minimum energy efficiency standards penalty policy
The Isle of Wight council approved a new minimum energy efficiency standards penalty policy at its cabinet meeting earlier this week.
This sets out how it can penalise landlords of private rented properties.
Government regulations
It is in line with April 2020 government regulations introduced to tackle private dwellings with an energy performance rating of band F and G, the lowest possible.
The energy-inefficient homes impose unnecessary costs on tenants, the wider economy and the can lead to poor health outcomes, the Isle of Wight Council says.
Must have rating of at least an E
Under the regulations, a landlord cannot continue to let or re-let their property with the lowest energy performance certificates.
If they want to do so they must undertake work to increase the performance rating to at least an E.
Fines of up to £5,000
Now, the Isle of Wight council has set out how it can enforce the regulations by introducing fines of up to £5,000.
The amount landlords would be fined is at the discretion of the council but will be assessed by the severity of the offence, culpability of the offender, the offender’s track record and the actual harm to the occupiers.
Stephens:
Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Monday, Cllr Ian Stephens, housing lead, said the council want to work with landlords and help them turn their properties energy efficient.
A robust response if landlords commit offences
The council hope the sub-standard properties will be improved before the need for formal action, but the policy provides a robust response where landlords commit offences, sending a strong message to landlords ‘operating unsatisfactorily’.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
