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Tamworth Borough Council has been awarded £20,000 funding from the Midland Net Zero Hub, to support private landlord properties to become more energy efficient.
The project will directly fund an experienced officer who will identify and engage with private landlords, who own properties that may currently breach the minimum standards Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of E or above, which has been the requirement since April 2020.
All identified letting agents will also receive a recorded delivery letter explaining their responsibilities in ensuring MEES regulations are implemented.
Landlords will be advised to either update the EPC at their property, prove exemption, or apply for funding to improve the thermal comfort of their tenant’s property with assistance from Council Home Energy Advice Tamworth (HEAT) service.
Landlords that are non- compliant, following engagement with the council, will be considered for appropriate formal investigation and enforcement action on behalf of Tamworth Borough Council. Failure to comply can lead to a maximum fine of £5,000 per property.
Councillor Alex Farrell, Cabinet Member for Homelessness Prevention and Social Housing, said:
The grant will help reduce energy costs to many who rent private properties. It also allows us to develop relationships with private landlords and support tenants with developing energy-efficient homes.
This project is part of a wider approach by the council to proactively assist private tenants in failing properties to work to improve energy performance. This may include updated heating systems or insulation to improve housing wellbeing and prevent fuel poverty. It allows the council to take a holistic and detailed approach to each landlord, and to provide them with a suite of options to improve their property.
