EPC Hub for Landlords.
EPCs: The challenges and opportunities
A Together market 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 have easy access to the information you need. You'll find frequently asked questions, a list of useful online resources and an overview of both the current and proposed EPC regulations for those that own a property, or properties, that are being rented out.
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 – It’s important you’re aware of the current energy efficiency rules for landlords as well as the newly proposed regulation changes which we may see come into play in 2025. You can find the details on regulation below.
- 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.
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.
Data compiled for LandTech, a property data platform, suggests that currently, more than half of all rental properties in the UK have an EPC rating of D or lower. However, the government have proposed that from 31st December 2025, all newly rented properties must have an EPC rating of a C or above and the same will apply to current tenanted properties from 31st December 2028.
If the proposed rules come into place, it’s important you’re aware of the steps you may need to take in order to increase the EPC rating of your properties.
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 property has to rate at least an E, but those rules could change in 2025, with the minimum expectation potentially rising to a grade C. The new regulations have been proposed to be introduced for new tenancies first from 2025, followed by all tenancies from 2028.
What are the upcoming deadlines for minimum energy performance standards for landlords?
At the minute, rental properties have to be rated at least an E for landlords to be able to let them out. The government have proposed that this will change to a C for new tenancies in 2025, then all rental properties in 2028.
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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