0:05 AM, 4th February 2025, About 12 months ago 19
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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.
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.
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.
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Shaheen Hamadani
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Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 52
20:20 PM, 5th February 2025, About 12 months ago
landlords are probably aware of the epc laws….they are also aware of the state of the economy…they are also aware of the fact that for some years till 2024 landlords were hearing the epc should be c on rental properties…the situation is that we have no idea which government will be in power in 2029. also how rules will change till then. also there are apparently 60% of UK properties built decades ago which may reach d with double glazing a gas boiler loft insulation and old terrace houses may get upto a d…there are of course many investors and investment companies ready to buy up properties for investment so there are continuing stories in the media pushing landlords to sell…so some of the stories need to be taken with a pinch of salt…
Judith Wordsworth
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Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1371
9:08 AM, 8th February 2025, About 12 months ago
Probably the same landlords that are unaware of their current legal responsibilities and obligations
GlanACC
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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1466
21:31 PM, 8th February 2025, About 12 months ago
Well, I am sorry but no sympathy there. The EPC debacle has been WIDELY publicised in almost every paper and is plastered over the internet. Where have these landlords been for the past 5 years ? – they really shouldn’t be in BTL
Shaheen Hamadani
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Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 52
22:15 PM, 8th February 2025, About 12 months ago
Reply to the comment left by D J at 04/02/2025 – 09:45
definitely….you are totally correct…
Shaheen Hamadani
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Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 52
22:18 PM, 8th February 2025, About 12 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Joey Barton at 04/02/2025 – 21:09
totally agree
Rod
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Member Since August 2021 - Comments: 303 - Articles: 1
19:04 PM, 9th February 2025, About 12 months ago
iHowz have been reminding their members and other landlords to complete the consultation, which runs until 26 February 2025. As mentioned above, it does seem to be unnecessarily complex.
This week, the government announced another consultation on EPCs.
iHowz have been lobbying government on this issue for over 4 years.
Key areas they will be looking for recognition of and concessions on are:
– recognition that 38% of homes were built before 1945 and 20% of homes before 1919.
– listed and conservation homes: relaxation of planning restrictions and exemptions where too egregious
– cap to provide a realistic payback period
– grants or tax breaks
Shaheen Hamadani
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Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 52
20:20 PM, 9th February 2025, About 12 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Rod at 09/02/2025 – 19:04
actually around 60% homes are decades old and can meet a d epc max internal wall insulation can cause damp and mould
Martin Hicks
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Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 60
20:29 PM, 9th February 2025, About 12 months ago
I don’t understand a comment that landlords with an existing EPC rating do not know what improvements can be made and how many points would be added. My EPC documentation clearly lays out proposed improvements together with the additional points that would be added for each.
GlanACC
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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1466
20:59 PM, 9th February 2025, About 12 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Martin Hicks at 09/02/2025 – 20:29
You are correct, but the idea of laying out £2000+ for a reduction in energy costs of £120 a year just doesn’t stack up. What the EPC doesn’t include is remediation work (eg. underfloor insulation would need doors shortening, skirting boards replacing , decorating etc)