EPC Rules & Requirements For Landlords In London

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 As of 1st April 2018, landlords were required to comply with minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for privately rented properties. The regulations stated that it was illegal for landlords to offer a new lease for properties with an EPC rating below E.  

In April 2020, the MEES legislation was expanded to include any property with an existing or continuing tenancy. This means that all landlords of privately rented properties in England and Wales must achieve a minimum EPC rating of E for their properties.  

If your property's EPC rating is F or G, you must act immediately and be prepared to spend up to the government-required cap of £3,500 (including VAT). Your EPC report will include a list of essential recommendations to help improve your property's energy efficiency. 

 It is a legal requirement to provide tenants with a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at the start of a new tenancy. However, it is recommended that you make the EPC available to prospective tenants as soon as you begin marketing the property for rent. 

 Previously, the UK government had suggested that new tenancies would require an EPC rating of C by 2025 (or 2028 for existing tenancies). However, these proposed changes have been cancelled. As of now, the rules for landlords regarding EPC rating remain the same - they still require an E rating or higher.  The proposed changes were aimed at helping the UK achieve its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. As domestic properties are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, it is likely that future governments will introduce further legislation affecting landlords. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the news and the gov.uk website for updates. 

 Most properties in the UK have an average rating of D or E. If your property falls short of rental sector requirements in terms of energy efficiency, there are steps you can take to improve it. 

• Fitting a new boiler – replacing your boiler with a modern energy-efficient model will impact your EPC rating the most. You could also consider adding a renewable energy source in the form of solar panels, biomass boilers and ground-source heat pumps.
• Installing double or triple glazing – upgrading your windows and doors could improve your energy rating and reduce noise pollution.
• Upgrading roof insulation –  A quarter of the heat generated by households is lost through the roof. Therefore, upgrading the insulation on your roof is an easy and efficient way to improve energy conservation. efficiency of your property.
• Adding wall insulation – whether your home has cavity or solid walls, insulating them can improve your EPC rating.
• Replacing lighting – using energy-efficient light bulbs is a cheap and easy way to improve your rating.

 If you were worried about meeting the EPC C rating, you can now breathe a sigh of relief as the rule change has been scrapped. However, it may still be worthwhile to improve your property's EPC rating. Here are some reasons why landlords should consider doing so.

• EPC changes may be reconsidered in the future, as the nation aims to improve energy efficiency.
• If new rules are implemented, you'll be ahead in securing materials and tradesmen..
• Having a warm and dry home can prevent damp and mould problems, which saves money on repairs.
• Tenants prefer energy-efficient properties, having a high rating is crucial for a competitive and attractive property.
• Properties that are energy-efficient tend to have lower energy bills. If you're a landlord renting out properties with bills included, this can help reduce your costs.
• A higher EPC rating can increase the selling price. On average, properties with B and C ratings sell for 5% more than those with D ratings, which could benefit you if you decide to sell your rental property.

 EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) are provided once an accredited energy surveyor inspects the property. The survey typically takes less than an hour to review both the internal and external aspects of most residential buildings. During the inspection, the energy assessor will assess several aspects of the property including:

• Exterior walls
• Roof insulation
• Floor
• Windows
• Open fireplaces
• Boiler
• Lighting
• Heating system
• Heating controls
• Hot water cylinder insulation
• Ventilation system
• Conservatory and extensions

 The surveyor will need access to all areas of your property, including the loft.