It’s crucial for landlords to closely monitor these developments and any potential effects they may have.

What is an EPC rating?

All rental houses in England and Wales must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It displays the building’s energy efficiency and provides helpful details on how to make it more eco-friendly and effective. It is necessary for prospective purchasers or tenants as well as a legal necessity for landlords. A buyer or tenant will be aware that a home may have significant energy costs if it gets a low rating.

A letter grade between A and G is assigned to the property. The rating of a building will be closer to A in the alphabet the more energy-efficient it is. An Energy Performance Certificate is necessary for any property in England, Scotland, or Wales that is being constructed, advertised for sale, or rented out as a whole (EPC).

What is the new EPC legislation and how does it affect me?

In late 2021, the government amended the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for England and Wales, stating that all rental properties must have an EPC rating of “C” or higher as of 2025, with similar modifications taking effect in 2028 to cover all tenancies. By 2050, the government wants to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, so this new EPC legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in homes.

Your home will become more energy-efficient thanks to the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, which will also help you cut down on carbon emissions and lower your energy costs. It’s crucial that, as a landlord, you learn more about this new EPC legislation and take action to make sure that rental properties adhere to the new standards before they were previously required.

For landlords, you will be required to raise your rating unless you want to run the risk of receiving a fine for non-compliance or being unable to rent at all.

What EPC ratings are required for lettings as per the EPC legislation?

The Energy Performance Certification, which rates a building’s energy efficiency, was launched in 2007.

All homes and businesses that are for sale or rent in the UK are required by law to have one.

As of April 1, 2018, all rentals in the private rented sector must have a property with a minimum E energy performance rating. The regulations were initially only applicable to new leases and renewals, but they are now also applicable to tenancies that are already in place.