Landlords delay rental property EPC upgrades
1 year ago | 29 comments
Landlords unaware of upcoming EPC changes
12:05 AM, 4th February 2025, 1 year ago
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A surprising 42% of landlords are unaware of the impending requirement for a minimum EPC rating of C for private rented properties, a survey reveals.
Research conducted by epIMS, highlights the lack of awareness of the need to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards by 2030.
Last month, the government announced a consultation on proposed EPC rating system modifications – but 40% of landlords were not aware of this consultation.
A further 27% admitted they don’t know the current EPC rating of their properties.
Introducing new minimum EPC standards
The firm’s Craig Cooper said: “A lot of landlords feel like they’re swimming against the tide at the moment, and with the government now intent on introducing new minimum EPC standards, it’s understandable that many feel frustrated at yet another policy that is likely to eat away at their profit margins.
“But improving an EPC rating needn’t be difficult or overly expensive, it just requires a good understanding of how ratings are attributed and how different improvements can increase your score.
“To this end, landlords are being bombarded with generalised lessons on how to improve a rating, but this knowledge is only so helpful.
“No two properties are the same, so what’s important is gaining insight into exactly where your specific property is falling short and what improvements are going to have the biggest impact.”
He adds that many landlords will be surprised by how simple and affordable it can be to reach the required EPC standard.
Valid EPC is a legal necessity
While a valid EPC is a legal necessity, with E being the current minimum, certificates remain valid for a decade.
This means many landlords haven’t needed to consider their rating recently, says epIMs, an energy efficiency platform developed for landlords.
And 32% of those surveyed are unfamiliar with the points-based system used to calculate EPC ratings.
Plus, 65% are unsure of the points needed to achieve a C rating.
Regarding planned improvements, 75% of landlords intend to wait until the 2030 deadline before taking action.
The biggest challenge in meeting the new standards, landlords say, is cost, followed by understanding which improvements will positively impact EPC scores.
Tags:
energy efficiency, Energy Performance Certificate, EPC, EPC rating C, epIMS, Landlords, minimum standards, Property investment, property regulations, rental properties, UK property
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Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 9
9:45 AM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Breaking News: landlords unaware of something that has yet to be defined, consulted on, or approved.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1575
10:13 AM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Many EPC Ratings are wrong. People have replaced lightbulbs, changed to modern gas boilers, replaced windows and installed other measures since their EPCs were undertaken. Others will have EPCs that make incorrect assumptions.
So, along with all the doctors, nurses, dentists and builders that we need to meet Labour’s promises, now we need EPC Assessors and energy efficient whatever installers.
I can see the unemployment rate going negative with people working 8 days a week.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
12:00 PM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
I think you mean unaware of what the gov actually intend to do? They are still faffing about themselves like rabbits in the headlights with no clue.
Until then I’m doing diddly squat unless a T moves out and there is a quick and very cheap upgrade required (ie a bit more loft insulation) that I know will still be assessed as part of the next (pointless) EPC certification requirement.
Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 281
12:31 PM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Take note, France is cancelling existing EPCs due to changes in the assessments. Remember we have Miliband in charge not a rational, technically and financially aware person with common sense.
I looked at this survey and actually completed some parts of it (most of it was very involved and I will admit to not fully understanding all of it). To sum up, don’t assume anything – and don’t spend your own money now if there is going to be financial assistance or tax breaks available.
Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 65
7:57 PM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
It is already a requirement that rented property has an EPC rating of E or better and tenants have to be given a copy.
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 13
8:39 PM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Upcoming in 6 years. Perhaps, maybe, could be….
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 10
9:09 PM, 4th February 2025, About 1 year ago
It’s not that I’m ‘unaware of upcoming EPC changes’. It’s that I don’t believe they will happen. For one the current Labour government have tellingly pushed this change out to beyond the next general election when they most certainly won’t be in power. And secondly, we’ve been here before and when the deadline approached the government seemed to suddenly remember we have the world’s oldest housing stock coupled with a housing crisis, panicked, and realised they were about to make a dire situation worse.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1137
12:34 AM, 5th February 2025, About 1 year ago
5+ years is hardly impending and that can will surely get kicked further down the road anyway. Besides which, most people reading this will have given up by then.
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 64
12:47 AM, 5th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Yes, we have 5 years to sort things out, but as the article alludes to, the vast majority of us don’t actually know what to do, or how to do it until we have a clearer understanding of what will actually be the case in 5 years time??
It won’t bother me that much mind as I’m selling up slowly and will only have a couple left by then. This is just another example of people at the top making things worse by forcing good landlords out instead of dealing with the rogue ones ?♂️
Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 95
10:34 AM, 5th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 04/02/2025 – 10:13
Unless you’re in the Government or House of Lords where you only need to work a few hours per week