Are you a Landlord looking for advice about the latest EPC regulations?
Perhaps you need to increase your EPC rating before you can rent your property to tenants? Read ahead for everything you need to know.
Why are these changes being made?
In a bid to enhance energy efficiency and combat climate change, the government has recently introduced significant changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rental properties in England and Wales. These new regulations aim to raise the bar for energy performance and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the government’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero by 2050.
What are the key changes?
The government has recently announced that all rental properties must achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or above by 2028. Initially, the plan was to introduce these regulations for new tenancies starting in 2025, with a subsequent rollout for all tenancies in 2028. However, a recent update in March 2023 shifted the deadline, making it applicable to all rentals by 2028.
By setting a higher benchmark for EPC ratings, the government aims to improve the energy efficiency of rental properties, creating more comfortable and cost-effective living spaces for tenants. These measures align with broader national goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable living practices.
What are the penalties for not complying?
In addition to raising the bar for energy performance, the government is also escalating penalties for non-compliance. From 2028 onwards, the penalty for not having a valid EPC will increase significantly from £5,000 to £30,000.
This underscores the importance of ensuring that your rental property meets the necessary energy efficiency standards and holds a valid EPC.
Taking action
To stay ahead of the regulatory changes and avoid hefty penalties, landlords must proactively assess their properties’ energy performance and take the necessary steps to improve their EPC ratings. This may involve implementing energy-efficient measures such as insulation upgrades, installing renewable energy systems, or enhancing heating and ventilation systems.
What can we do to help?
We know that navigating the complexities of energy efficiency regulations can be daunting for landlords. Here at Eclipse Energy, we can provide you with support in understanding the requirements, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring compliance with the new EPC regulations.
One important thing to note, is that if you have tenants on a low income – such as in receipt of government benefits or a household income of under £31,000 they may be eligible for the ECO4 scheme.
This means you may be able to get free improvements to your property such as:
- Loft insulation
- Internal wall insulation
- Air source heat pump
- Floor insulation
- External wall insulation
- Solar panels
- Room in roof insulation
- Full central heating
The ECO4 scheme ends in early 2026, so it’s worth getting ahead of the game and applying for the funding as soon as possible.
Give us a call today and we can let you know if you or your tenants could be eligible. It’s worth speaking to us, as even if you don’t qualify – you will still get the EPC survey for free!
Call us on 01422 414850 or fill out a form on our website and we can give you a call back.
Act now to ensure your properties meet the new EPC regulations and avoid penalties.