The mail on Sunday has highlighted potential non-compliance issues involving Tulip Siddiq, a treasury minister, concerning her obligations as a landlord. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Alleged Breach of Energy Certificate Regulations

1. Missing Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):
   • Under UK law, all rented properties must have a valid EPC to indicate the energy efficiency of the property.
   • No EPC, expired or current, could be found for the North London flat Ms Siddiq and her husband have been renting out since December 2022.
2. Legal Consequences:
   • Landlords failing to comply with EPC regulations face significant penalties, including:
     • A minimum fine of £10,000 for non-compliance beyond three months.
     • Up to 20% of the property’s rateable value, capped at £150,000.
3. Property Background:
   • The flat, purchased for £865,000 in 2018, is managed by a letting agency, which has not provided an explanation regarding the missing EPC.

Previous Compliance Issues

• Unreported Rental Income:
  • Earlier in 2024, Ms Siddiq was investigated by the parliamentary watchdog for failing to declare over £10,000 in rental income for 14 months.
  • The oversight was described as “inadvertent,” but it raised questions about her adherence to financial regulations.

Wider Implications

As the “anti-corruption” minister responsible for financial services policy, reform, and regulation, this situation raises concerns about Ms Siddiq’s accountability and compliance with basic landlord obligations.

If the property management agency was responsible for ensuring legal compliance, there may also be questions about its role in this oversight.