EPC Hub for Landlords.
Improveasy
We’re proud to announce our partnership with Improveasy, as we continue our education and support for customers making improvements to their properties.
Since 2011, Improveasy has been a market leader in the green home improvement sector; offering energy assessment, installation and support in securing any grant funding the property may be eligible for.
EPC Builder, from Improveasy, brings together their in-house services into a web-based online portal, guiding property owners through their retrofit journey - from beginning to end.
Want to find out more about improving the energy efficiency of your property, or want to find an installer? Begin your journey to a greener home by exploring Improveasy services on the link below. EPC Builder
EPCs: The challenges and opportunities
A Together report covering all the stats, facts and insights you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates.
An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate, which illustrates the energy efficiency of a property and provides a fuel-cost-based energy efficiency rating from A to G - with A being the most cost-efficient. It gives you a breakdown of the energy performance and the environmental impact, as well as recommendations for efficiency improvements and the potential cash savings. Potential tenants are likely to use EPCs to understand how much they'll be spending on their utility bills, so it's important you do all you can to improve the energy efficiency of your properties.
As a landlord, it's important that EPCs are on your radar. Our EPC Hub for Landlords will ensure you’re kept up to date with the information you need. You'll find frequently asked questions, a list of useful online resources and an overview of the current EPC regulations for those that own a property, or properties, that are being rented out.
Currently, the EPC rating of a rental property must be E or above, and with a potential fine of up to £5,000 per property, it’s vital you have an EPC readily available for your tenants.
There are various exemptions that'll allow you to rent out a property without the required EPC rating, however all exemptions need to be registered. In our handy online sources section you’ll find a link to the government website which covers all exemption possibilities and how to register them.
In early 2023, the Government had proposed new regulations to increase the minimum EPC rating of rental properties to a C for new tenancies from 2025 and all tenancies from 2028. However, more recently, the planned timelines have been reconsidered.
Whilst there’s little information to offer clarity on future plans, it does seem they won’t go ahead as soon as initially expected. But there are several other reasons why it’s important for landlords to start thinking about improving the energy efficiency of their properties sooner rather than later.
EPCs: The challenges and opportunities
The importance of an EPC
There are several reasons why you should begin considering the steps you may need to take in order to increase the EPC rating of your properties.
- Complying with the rules and regulations – Currently, rental property has to rate at least an E or there’s a risk of fine. In addition, although we’ve recently been made aware there’s no requirement for landlords to have at least a C rating, there’s a General Election in the not so distant future and a different Government may have contrasting opinions.
- Reducing carbon footprint – You can use your EPCs to create efficiencies in your properties, which will in turn reduce your carbon footprint, helping to create a greener and cleaner planet.
- Utility bills – Potential tenants are likely to use EPCs to understand how much they'll be spending on their utility bills, so it's important you’re doing all you can to improve the energy efficiency of your portfolio.
- Lender restrictions - As more and more lenders are moving towards their sustainability targets, more restrictions are likely to be brought in for properties being used as security with lower EPC ratings.
- Tenants’ standard of living - Although cost efficiencies may be more long term, improving the energy efficiency of your properties will ensure your tenants have a comfortable place to live – keeping homes warmer in the winter months and cooler on hot summer days.
Energy Performance Certificate FAQs for Landlords.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An EPC is designed to rate how energy efficient a building is, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). Your EPC will outline how expensive a property will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are. If there are improvements to be made, an EPC will also tell you how you could improve your score. For everything you need to know about EPC ratings, read our blog.
What does an EPC check involve and how are they calculated?
An EPC check is carried out by an energy assessor who will visit your property to look at how efficient it is now, and how you could make it more efficient in the future. They’ll look at windows, lighting, heating and insulation to calculate your score. They’ll also look at the age of the property, how it was built, how it’s heated and if hot water tanks are properly insulated. The assessment and report will cost around £60 to £120, and will take around half an hour to complete. You’ll usually have your results back within 72 hours.
Can my EPC save me money?
Making sure your property is properly insulated can save you hundreds of pounds on yours or your tenants’ energy bills. By preventing heat from escaping through walls, roofs and windows, less power will be needed to heat the property, reducing spend on energy bills. Even small changes like replacing traditional lightbulbs with low energy versions can save money over time.
How do I get an EPC?
You’ll need to use an accredited energy assessor to create an EPC for you, or if you’re selling a property, your estate agent should arrange this for you.
While you can book an EPC assessment online it has to be carried out in person, so the assessor will need to visit your property.
What are the current minimum energy performance standards for landlords?
Currently, rental properties have to be rated at least an E for landlords to be able to let them out. The Government had proposed that this will change to a C for new tenancies in 2025, then all rental properties in 2028 – however, it has been recently confirmed these timelines will no longer stand.
How to check an EPC rating?
You can check for a current EPC online in England and Wales, or find your EPC rating in Scotland, using an online search tool. If you’re buying a house, the EPC rating should be on the property listing.
How long is an EPC valid for?
An EPC rating is valid from 10 years from when the assessment is carried out.
Do I need an EPC if I’m buying, selling or renting?
You can’t sell or let out a house without an EPC rating, so it’s up to vendors and landlords to ensure their property has had an assessment. There’s nothing for the buyer to do.
There are fines for both vendors and landlords for not having a valid EPC, so it’s an important document in any property agreement.
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