In most cases, if you want to attract new tenants in a rented home, you will probably have to advertise your property. Advertising can take many forms—a postcard in the local shop window, an advertisement on a property marketing website, or a picture in the window of a letting agency. But as of today, no matter how you choose to advertise your rental property, the advert has to include the property’s energy rating, which can be found on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Are HMOs affected by the same rules?
No, HMOs are exempt from the new rules, so if you are a student landlord or social landlord who operates shared houses or bedsits, you don’t need to include an energy rating on advertisements.
Changes from the original DCLG guidelines
The Department of Communities and Local Government originally implied that all properties (not including HMOs) were required to have the entire first page of the Energy Performance Certificate (which includes the graph and energy rating), on any advertisement. However, they appear to have changed their minds and now only the overall energy rating has to be included in any property advertisements.
Critics say that this makes a mockery of the government’s pledge to introduce green measures and meet green targets set out by Europe. Original plans are being watered down left, right and centre, and consumers are being given less information to make a decision on which rental property is right for them.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
