The Scottish Government is failing landlords on the forthcoming introduction of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation says the National Landlords Association in Scotland.
With less than two months until the introduction of EPCs for Scottish rental properties, NLA Scotland believes the Government has not ensured that all landlords are aware of the new regulations.
The organisation is concerned that without a concerted effort to promote EPCs, there will be widespread confusion among landlords and tenants about what is required under the new rules.
From 4 January 2009, landlords who do not make an EPC available to tenants at the start of a new tenancy could be hit with a fine of £5,000 and will have committed a criminal offence.
The introduction of EPCs for the Scottish private-rented sector means that prospective tenants must be given details of the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property. NLA Scotland, which provides certificates through NLA EPCs, is calling on the Scottish Government to promote the new EPC rules as soon as possible.
Jim Parker, Chairman, NLA Scotland, said: “It is disappointing to see Scottish Government failing in its duty to keep landlords informed. The promotion of EPCs seems to have been left to the commercial providers and a significant number of landlords will be blissfully unaware of the risks of not complying with the new rules.
“All landlords starting new tenancies will need to get an EPC or face severe penalties. If the Government does not act soon to promote the legislation, thousands of landlords could find themselves unknowingly breaking the law and fined to the tune of £5,000.”
For more information about NLA EPCs, go to www.scottishlandlords.org.
• Local authorities are being asked to strengthening their housing options, which would include using the services of residential landlords, to help prevent rough sleeping.
It is part of a 15-point strategy from The Communities and Local Government department which is aiming to end rough sleeping within four years. The plan has the backing of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his government which is investing £200 million in the scheme.
Information released by The Communities and Local Government department says that rough sleeper counts will be revised. There will be new methods to help authorities track people sleeping rough, ‘by bringing in changes that will enable more in-depth reporting of the level and nature of need in different areas’.
More support has also been pledged to help find housing and employment for people coming off the streets.
Junior housing minister Iain Wright said: “The government target in 1998 was to reduce rough sleeping by two thirds and we achieved that four years early, but we want to go further.
“This strategy states our ambition to end rough sleeping once and for all by 2012 building on the success we have already. This is the personal commitment of the prime minister.”
