New EPC rules could lead to higher fines for landlords without valid EPCs in Scotland
1 year ago | 3 comments
Landlords urged to boost EPC efficiency by 2030
12:01 AM, 31st March 2025, 1 year ago
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To help private rented sector landlords meet the upcoming tightening energy performance certificate changes, the Energy Saving Trust has published a guide.
By 2030, ‘it is proposed, but not yet passed into law and under consultation,’ that all rental properties in England and Wales must achieve an EPC rating of C or higher, a move that could slash tenants’ yearly energy costs by approximately £240.
Currently, only 48% of private rented homes in England have an EPC rating of C or better, with the existing minimum standard being E.
The cost of upgrading could be £6,100 to £6,800 per property to meet the proposed 2030 deadline.
EPC landlord consultation
The government has launched a consultation inviting landlords and tenants to voice their opinions, with submissions accepted until 2 May.
The initiative aims to balance the needs of landlords with the financial benefits tenants could enjoy since many renters lack the authority to implement substantial home enhancements themselves.
The Trust says that for landlords, boosting a property’s energy efficiency isn’t just about meeting regulations because it’s also a chance to make homes more appealing, cost-effective and cosy.
Meanwhile, Scotland is forging its own path with the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Bill for landlords to meet new efficiency benchmarks by 2028, including installing upgrades and phasing out fossil fuel heating systems – like gas and oil boilers – by 2045.
Alternatives such as heat pumps, advanced electric heaters and district heating networks are being championed.
Additionally, separate EPC reforms could see the validity of EPCs being cut from 10 years to five, ensuring more current data for prospective renters and buyers.
The Energy Saving Trust offers practical guidance to help landlords navigate the proposed requirements.
How landlords can prepare
Improving a property’s energy rating starts with a professional assessment by an accredited domestic energy assessor – arranged with at least 24 hours’ written notice to tenants. The resulting EPC report highlights tailored suggestions, from insulation and modern heating solutions to draught-proofing and double glazing.
In England and Wales, landlords won’t be compelled to spend above £3,500 – currently – on these enhancements.
If costs exceed this cap, a high-cost exemption can be sought through the PRS Exemptions Register.
Funding options include personal investment, third-party support or government-backed home energy grants.
Practical upgrades range from fitting cavity wall insulation and energy-efficient boilers to smaller tweaks like swapping to LED lighting or adding smart meters.
Properties facing structural hurdles or affordability constraints may qualify for exemptions, valid for five years once registered.
Supporting tenants beyond compliance
The Energy Saving Trust says that landlords can also play a role in helping tenants trim their energy expenses.
Sharing energy-saving tips, available through resources like the Energy Saving Trust, or pointing renters towards support services can make a difference.
In England, the government’s energy bill advice is a useful starting point, while Scotland’s Home Energy Scotland, Wales’ Nest, and Northern Ireland Energy Advice offer bespoke guidance.
Local organisations, such as Citizens Advice, provide further assistance.
Tags:
Energy Efficiency Standards, energy-saving upgrades, EPC rating C, Private Rented Sector, Rental property improvements, tenant energy bills, UK government consultation, UK Landlords
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More than 5,000 retrofits needed a day to meet EPC C targets costing landlords thousands
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Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
10:56 AM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
“By 2030, all rental properties in England and Wales must achieve an EPC rating of C or higher” ……. under what legislation ?
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 977 - Articles: 1
11:13 AM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
“The government has launched a consultation inviting landlords and tenants to voice their opinions, with submissions accepted until 2 May.”
Could anyone please provide a link to that consultation?
Thank you.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
11:16 AM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
So the quote in this article is incorrect, nothing has been decided yet.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3511 - Articles: 5
11:21 AM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
Landlords urge Starmer to resign and dissolve the Labour Party.
Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286
11:54 AM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
Although heavily pushed by Ed Miliband the press release is not correct and has been amended to say the 2030 date ‘it is proposed, but not yet passed into law and under consultation.’
The consultation finishes in early May.
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
12:58 PM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
Alternatively, the entire world is being invited, or conned, into the scam of environmental catastrophe, why is it that we have to ‘save energy’ when energy is, if we chose to use it, abundant, this is is the politics of control and everyone should be as madvas hell, rascals out.
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
1:19 PM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 31/03/2025 – 11:21
Awake citizens no longer plead with national puppets of global government but push every individual from the bottom up to think and act from conscience and not from autocratic ‘policy’, power does NOT come from government but from the people, ‘demos’ other than in a dictatorship, it’s over time that that was made clear.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 9
2:10 PM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
Can an EPC assessor, assess his/her own property? Our neighbour who is an EPC assessor has a C on his property with all the other properties (terraced) next to his along the street being D?
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 765
3:04 PM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
There is the added problem that expenditure now does not count towards the cost cap, so if it not certain that a C is achievable you could be forced to spend another chunk of money if the legislation is passed.
Member Since March 2025 - Comments: 3
5:05 PM, 31st March 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 31/03/2025 – 10:56
By some faceless unelected Quango !