By raising the energy efficiency requirements for private tenants, the UK government hopes to reduce their yearly energy costs by an estimated £240.
According to the UK Government’s proposal, all private landlords would be required to make sure their homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade of C or higher starting in 2030. Wales and England would be included in this idea.
Currently, less than half (48%) of England’s private rental properties have an EPC rating of C or higher. Private rental houses currently require an EPC rating of at least E.
By 2030, landlords are expected to spend an average of £6,100 to £6,800 to update their buildings to meet the new standards.
The UK Government has opened a consultation for landlords and tenants to share their views. The consultation closes on 2 May 2025.
What are the energy efficiency rules for landlords?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are mandatory for all rental homes in the United Kingdom. An energy efficiency rating (EPC) ranges from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient) for a certain property. A minimal carbon footprint and cheaper energy costs for renters are two benefits of having a high EPC rating.
In addition to identifying opportunities for improvement, EPCs may assist both landlords and tenants in understanding the energy performance of their homes.
A new EPC is required for landlords every ten years. It is your responsibility to provide tenants with a current EPC.
The minimum energy efficiency standard requires that houses sold or rented in England and Wales have an EPC rating of E or above. All tenancies, new and old, are subject to these regulations.
When new tenants move in, it is the landlord’s responsibility to give them a copy of the property’s EPC. It is available through the Scottish EPC Register (in Scotland) or the Energy Performance of Buildings Register (in England and Wales).
What are the proposed changes to EPC requirements for rental properties?
Changes to the minimum energy efficiency standard for England and Wales had been proposed by the previous UK government. By 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies, all rental homes would have to have an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above under the new regulations. However, in September 2023, it was declared that these plans will not proceed.
The new UK government pledged in its manifesto to ensure that private rental properties adhere to minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.
This implies that they would reverse the change that was made. In the King’s Speech, they committed to implement a Decent Homes Standard for the private rental market. The specifics of this are unknown to us at this time.
By 2028, private landlords in Scotland are expected to adhere to new minimum energy efficiency criteria proposed by the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Bill consultation.
All privately rented houses will have to implement a list of energy-saving upgrades in order to comply with the new regulations. By 2045, it also suggests that building owners should switch to clean heating systems from gas, oil, and LPG boilers. Here are instances of clean heating systems:
- Heat pumps
- Modern electric storage heaters
- District heating
The Scottish Government also suggests lowering the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) validity duration from ten to five years in its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Reform Consultation.
This implies that if the existing EPC for a property you list for sale or rent is more than five years old, you will need to update it. This is meant to provide more up-to-date information on the building to potential renters and owners.
How to improve the energy rating for your rented property
To get your property up to the minimum energy efficiency standard, follow the steps below.
- Arrange an energy assessment
To obtain an updated EPC rating, your property needs to be assessed by an approved domestic energy assessor. In Scotland, landlords and letting agents must give tenants 24 hours’ notice before property visits.
- Find out what improvements you can make
To achieve a minimum energy efficiency standard in England and Wales, you will never be required to spend more than £3,500 on recommended improvements. If they exceed this, you can apply for high-cost exemption via the PRS Exemptions Register.
- Decide which measures to implement
While the biggest energy savers will depend on the property type, typical examples include:
- Installing insulation, such as solid wall, cavity wall or loft insulation.
- Upgrading heating systems, such as an energy efficient boiler.
- Draught-proofing gaps and cracks.
- Replacing existing windows and doors with double glazed windows or energy efficient doors.
- Installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or heat pumps.
Smaller improvements include:
- Upgrading to LED light bulbs.
- Installing a smart meter.
Exemptions to improvements
The minimal requirements for energy efficiency may not apply to all properties. Affordability, refusals of mortgage lenders’ consent, or structural problems may be the cause of these exemptions.
Landlords must register a property on the PRS Exemptions Register if it qualifies for any exemptions. The duration of an exemption is five years.
Other ways to help your tenants save energy and money
It will benefit everyone if you remind your tenants to conserve energy and money, regardless of who is paying the bills. You can review our renter’s guides and advice and share it with your tenants.
In the UK, there is assistance available if your renters are still having trouble paying their energy costs:
- In England, recommend the UK Government’s help with your energy bills advice and home energy efficiency information.
- In Scotland, recommend Home Energy Scotland for advice and funding.
- In Wales, recommend Nest for tailored advice.
- In Northern Ireland, recommend Northern Ireland Energy Advice.
- There are also local services, such as Citizens Advice, which can offer support.
Reasons for choosing Oakwood Property Solicitors for your buy-to-let needs
Specialist advice: Buy to Let properties is an area we are experienced in, and we can help you through the buying process from start to finish.
Highly-qualified solicitors: We have been approved as a Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) Practice, which means we are required to have the most up-to-date knowledge of Buy to Let conveyancing.
24/7 support: Our team of solicitors can be reached via phone or email whenever you need them to ensure there are no delays.
Further information
Landlords: How to make your property more energy efficient – Energy Saving Trust
Buy to Let – Oakwood Property Solicitors
Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard – Landlord guidance – GOV.uk
WHAT TO DO NEXT
To make a start on the next step in your property journey, get in touch today to book a consultation with a member of our team. Call us on 0113 218 5727 to find out how we can help you.
