iHowz calls on government for clearer guidance as biggest EPC changes in decades come into force

The government has announced the biggest changes in the way Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are assessed in more than a decade.

However, whilst landlord organisation iHowz has welcomed the change, it warns of a lack of information, particularly around Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), and claims even the government realises the 2028 deadline for EPC C targets for new tenancies is unworkable.

From June 15th, the introduction of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) will bring in the simplified methodology used for producing EPCs in existing dwellings.

It uses assumptions about how buildings are constructed and occupied to generate a rating of a property’s energy efficiency.

Provides much-needed clarity

Under RdSAP, energy assessors will now collect more detailed information about a property, such as the type and condition of windows, heating system efficiency based on model numbers or manufacturer data, and whether smart heating controls are installed.

Assessors will gather information wall, roof, and floor insulation, including thickness, material type, and effectiveness, as well as ventilation systems like open fireplaces, flues, and extract fans.

Peter Littlewood, chief executive of iHowz, welcomes the proposals.

He said: “This long-awaited update provides much-needed clarity and allows landlords to resume energy improvement plans that have been on hold in anticipation of regulatory change.

“Importantly, RdSAP 10 does not explicitly favour electric over gas heating. Instead, it assesses heating systems across a range of practical criteria, including: energy efficiency, cost of running and carbon emissions.

“This balanced approach allows for greater flexibility and fairness in how landlords choose to meet energy targets.”

However, ihowz points out to landlords that due to the increased data collection requirements, assessors may take slightly longer to complete property assessments.

Net Zero hypocrisy

Mr Littlewood adds that while the introduction of RdSAP 10 is welcomed, there are still concerns around clarity over regulations to do with MEES.

He said: “iHowz has long urged government ministers to release the updated methodology for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) — known as RdSAP 10 — before introducing new energy efficiency requirements under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).

“We are therefore delighted to see this call has been heard, but remain concerned about the lack of information.”

iHowz has been campaigning for the government to publish the new MEES so landlords can finally make proper plans but claims even the government does not have full clarity on the timelines.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband claims all private rented properties will need to meet EPC C targets by 2030 and 2028 for new tenancies. However, Mr Littlewood says even these dates are uncertain.

Mr Littlewood claims: “I was told by someone on the MEES committee that the government privately realises 2028 in unworkable for new tenancies but is wedded to 2030.  The general feeling is that 2030 will be the date for new tenancies to meet a new EPC rating (probably C), and that all tenancies would have to be compliant from 2032, but it’s all guesswork.”

iHowz also points out the government’s hypocrisy over net zero.

He said: “We remain concerned that the government are urging us to heat by electricity whilst keeping the costs artificially high for net zero. This is coupled with a report in February that heat pumps don’t work and an admission by the Green Leader, Carla Denyer she still uses gas heating leads us to question the hypocrisy of the government.”

You can read iHowz guide to RdSAP10 here