Landlords in Brighton & Hove are getting cash to fund EPC improvements - if they help solve the city’s temporary accommodation shortage.

The council is trying a different approach to tackling the housing crisis by offering landlords up to £7,500 to improve poorly rated rental properties if they agree to lease properties to the council for three years as temporary accommodation.

Its new Energy Performance Grant Scheme aims to increase the supply of temporary accommodation while improving the energy efficiency of PRS homes across Brighton & Hove.  

The pilot scheme is open to landlords with EPC energy ratings of D and below and properties must be vacant or have a clear pathway to vacancy before leasing. The council explains that applications won’t progress if rent is outside scheme affordability limits, while if the lease is ended before the end of the three-year term, the grant money will be repayable.

Creative

Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing, says the scheme is one of many creative solutions it’s exploring to tackle the acute housing crisis challenge.

She adds: “This an exciting opportunity for landlords in Brighton & Hove and a win-win for our local housing market as these grants will make tangible improvements to privately rented homes by making them more energy efficient.”

Landlords are responsible for all upfront costs associated with the improvement works, including arranging EPC assessments, getting quotations and appointing contractors completing and paying for the works, ensuring the property meets all relevant standards and regulatory requirements, including the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and any safety compliance requirements.

Landlords can get funding for up to three properties. Grant funding is paid when the works are completed, the EPC has been reassessed, and the property is successfully leased to the council - including tenant onboarding and key handover.

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