LANDLORDS in the Forest are being told to "get their homes in order" or face a penalty as part of a national drive to get more properties to meet minimum standards for energy efficiency.

Forest of Dean District Council is helping landlords to improve the efficiency of their properties by offering free energy surveys and additional support, due to changes to national Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rented properties in recent years.

The council says it wants to put an end to "cold and draughty homes" in order to increase comfort and affordability for tenants by helping landlords to comply with the rules.

The standards set out "a range of criteria" for private properties that are let on either an assured or regulated tenancy basis, and following their last update in April 2020, it is now unlawful to let out a property that has an EPC rating of below an ’E’.

The MEES say that if properties do not comply, "appropriate remedial steps" must be taken to bring them up to standard unless they are registered exempt.

The council says that landlords who "continue to flout the rules" by either not bringing their properties up to standard or applying for a temporary exemption could face a penalty of up to £5,000 per breach.

Through its partner the Severn Wye Energy Agency, the authority is offering free surveys to support the owners of non-compliant properties up to the end of March.

Councillor Sid Phelps, Cabinet Member for Environment, explained: "We are urging landlords whose properties do not have the correct energy certificates, ratings and assessments in place to get their homes in order.

"We realise many landlords act responsibly when renting their properties and follow the guidance to keep their tenants safe, secure and warm, however, we know there are a number of rented properties in our district which fall short and it is these that will be targeted over the next few months.

"Putting an end to cold and draughty homes, which are expensive to heat, will not only mean greater comfort for those living there but will give tenants more assurance when it comes to paying their household bills, particularly with the looming threat of rising energy prices."

Under the current rules, landlords are not obligated to spend more than £3,500 on retrofitting energy performance improvements, even if their property then "fails to make the grade".

The council says that modifications costing more than the cap may, in some cases, attract grant funding, which allows landlords to make greater improvements and protect "the long-term fabric" of their properties - in turn increasing their desirability to the rental market - but paying only a fraction of the cost.

The council says that the free surveys will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, and will include a report giving "tailored" recommendations on how to bring the property up to the legal requirements.

The costs of the surveys are being met by a grant from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to help local authorities raise awareness and support compliance with MEES, and to "take action where necessary".

Landlords seeking support in MEES compliance, and those who would like to book a free home energy visit, should call Severn Wye Energy Agency on 0800 500 3076 or email [email protected].

Information can also be found online at www.severnwye.org.uk/landlords, or www.fdean.gov.uk/MEES.