Question reference: S5W-33092
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 6 November 2020
-
Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 10 November 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reintroduce the Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations, and when it expects these will come into force.
Answer
On 11 March, Parliament approved the affirmative Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, which were due to come into force on 1 April, prohibiting the letting of properties with new tenancies that fall below the minimum energy efficiency standards from 1 October 2020. On
25 March it was agreed to stop these Regulations coming in to force on 1 April 2020 as a direct result of the impact of Covid-19, with a commitment made at that time to reintroduce once conditions under the pandemic allowed.
As we emerge from the pandemic, these Regulations will now be brought back as quickly as possible, and within this parliamentary session. The Regulations are planned to come in to force on 1 April 2021, with any new tenancies let from that date requiring to meet an energy efficiency standard of EPC D, or hold a valid exemption. All properties will be required to meet this standard of EPC D by 31 March 2025.