Scottish landlords warn new EPC regulations will deepen housing crisis

New Scottish government environmental regulations will exacerbate the ongoing housing shortage in Scotland and prolong stays in emergency homeless accommodation for tenants.

The warning is being made by the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) which points to the proposed minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for some properties by 2028.

All private rented homes will be required to comply with the new rules by 2033.

SAL warns that the estimated £600 million cost to the sector could discourage investment, reduce available rental properties and cut Scotland’s carbon emissions by just 0.04%.

It adds that the proposals should be scrapped with the government instead creating an environment which encourages investment and certainty within the sector.

Fewer PRS homes

The organisation’s chief executive, John Blackwood, said: “During a housing crisis, the correct thing to do would be to make investment more attractive and remove as much friction from the housing sector as possible.

“These measures do the opposite of that; they are expensive, bureaucratic and send the wrong signals to investors – meaning there will be fewer homes available.

“With the lack of technical reports to assess options and the clock ticking down to the deadline, landlords will have no time to arrange works to be done.”

He added: “They will also cause unacceptable delays, particularly for those moving from emergency homeless accommodation into a private rented home.

“Scotland’s landlords are urging ministers to rethink these dangerous proposals and to work with us to encourage investment and confidence in our sector.”

No time to prepare

SAL also warns that the move would see longer voids as rented properties are put through expensive and lengthy periods of work.

That work would lead to tenants needing more time in emergency homeless accommodation.

There are also fears that landlords are worried about having insufficient time to prepare – and assessment reports will not be available until Autumn 2026.

More detailed technical reports to assess options for improving properties will not be available until 2028 so landlords will have no time to arrange work in time for the 1 April 2028 implementation date, SAL fears.