A council is urging renters to ‘shop’ landlords if their homes have a poor EPC rating.

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Hastings council says it has been in constant contact with landlords to keep them properly informed of the current  Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) as private rented ‘homes’ must have at least an EPC Rating of E or higher.

Any landlords renting out properties with a rating below E must ensure that the minimum is reached, however those landlords with properties which have been registered on the government’s exemptions register do not need to upgrade the applicable rented home. Failure by landlords with properties which are not exempt and are below the MEES, face fines of £5,000 per rented home.

Hastings council says that since the new regulations came into force it has undertaken a campaign of speaking to landlords and letting agents to check they are aware of the new MEES requirements, and of their legal responsibilities to ‘obey’ the regulations

It has also sent out newsletters and leaflets to agents and landlords with the new requirements as well as holding online workshops and an informative MEES online video about the new regulations.

In the council’s statement it says: “Residents who are concerned they are renting a property that does not have a valid EPC or has an EPC rating of an F or G can let the council know by completing a form on the Hastings Borough Council website.”

Councillor Andy Batsford, responsible for housing at the council, says: "Through external funding we have supported 242 landlords with properties that have an F or G rating and have signposted them to partner organisations that can provide advice on energy efficiency improvements and the available sources of funding where applicable.

“As a result, 94 properties have been improved in the town so far.

"This project runs in line with the council's Climate Change Strategy by helping to reduce carbon emissions in the borough.