As of 1 April 2019, it is a legal requirement for all privately-rented homes in England and Wales to have an officially rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of at least ‘E’ for new tenancies, with plans to extend this requirement to existing tenancies.
Many landlords now have little time to improve their property’s energy standards and should check epc rating.
Landlords risk fines of up to £5,000 per property if they don’t carry our required upgrades to their properties which fall below the rating. 49% of landlords are unsure how to improve the energy efficiency of your property.
What is an EPC rating?
In the UK, any property that is constructed, sold, or leased must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC for a rental property illustrates the property’s energy efficiency and provides an estimate of the heating and lighting costs for tenants. It also details the property’s carbon footprint and suggests potential improvements to enhance energy efficiency.
An EPC uses a banded rating system, from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), meaning that landlords whose properties fall in F and G bands need to upgrade their properties. Each EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it’s issued.
How can you improve your property’s energy efficiency rating
Making your property more energy efficient not only improves a property’s value but also makes it a warmer and more comfortable place for your tenant to live.
You can improve your score by:
- Double glazing. Properly insulated doors and windows. This will improve your home’s energy performance, it can also reduce noise and condensation.
- Loft insulation. Help with energy efficiency – easy to install, inexpensive and can make a huge difference to your utility bills.
- Wall insulation. Whether your home has cavity or solid walls, insulating them can improve your EPC rating and you might qualify for help with the costs.
- Replace your boiler. A new, energy-efficient boiler can cut energy bills. The initial cost outlay is well worth the potential savings a new boiler could have for you and your tenants, whilst also improving your investment.
You can find out more information on EPC energy improvements, by contacting us.
If your property is fully managed, your dedicated property manager will be able to arrange for any improvement works required.
