UK Landlords: How to Achieve EPC Rating of C by 2025/28 Deadline

Reduce your energy bills!

Are you a landlord, homeowner, or looking to sell your house? If so, then one of the most essential considerations for potential buyers and tenants is the energy rating. Achieving an Energy Rating C is achievable with some simple yet effective steps that can have significant benefits-from lower bills and improved comfort in your home to better property value and a reduced carbon footprint.

In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to help landlords, homeowners and home sellers work towards achieving their desired Energy Rating C.

We’ll look at strategies such as investing in insulation improvements, replacing old heating systems with modern ones, ensuring loft spaces are well ventilated, considering renewable technologies and more! All of these work together to ensure comprehensive energy efficiency throughout the home – providing warmth while reducing both emissions and costs! So what are you waiting for – let’s jump right in now!

The UK Government has set a target for landlords to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher for all rental properties by 2025 for new tenancies and by 2028 for all existing tenancies. This requirement applies to both commercial and residential properties. The aim of this requirement is to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of rental properties in the UK. Landlords who fail to meet this requirement may face fines and legal penalties.

5 top takeaways

1. EPC ratings can also affect property value and rental income, as tenants and buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes.
2. Landlords can access various government grants and funding options to help cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements.
3. In addition to upgrading heating systems, insulation, and lighting, other improvements such as solar panels, smart controls, and double glazing can also improve EPC ratings.
4. Landlords may face financial penalties for non-compliance with EPC regulations, including fines of up to £5,000 for renting out a property with an EPC rating of F or G.
5. The EPC rating system is periodically updated to reflect changes in technology and energy efficiency standards, so landlords should stay informed of any changes and requirements in the future.

What is the EPC rating?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a measure of a property’s energy efficiency and environmental impact. The rating is based on factors such as the age and construction of the property, its heating system, insulation, and the types of lighting and appliances it contains.

The EPC rating is shown on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The rating is calculated using a standard methodology, and it provides an indication of how much it will cost to heat and power the property, as well as its carbon emissions. In the UK, all properties being sold or rented out must have an EPC, and the rating must be displayed in any property listing or advertisement.

How is EPC assessed?

An EPC assessment is carried out by a qualified and accredited assessor (you can find them through the government website) who visits the property and collects information about its energy efficiency. The assessor will need to access all parts of the property, including the loft, cellar, and any extension or conservatory.

During the assessment, the assessor will collect data on the following:

1. The age, construction, and size of the property
2. Wall, floor, and loft insulation
3. Windows, doors, and any draught-proofing measures
4. The heating system, including the boiler, radiators
5. Any renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or heat pumps
6. The lighting and any fixed electrical appliances, such as white goods or ovens.

The assessor will then input this data into a software program that uses a standard methodology to calculate the EPC rating. The software takes into account the building’s energy efficiency and CO2 emissions, as well as the potential for improvement through various energy-saving measures.

Once the EPC is complete, it is registered on a national database and a copy is provided to the property owner or landlord. The EPC is valid for ten years and must be made available to prospective tenants or buyers.

What are the current requirements?

The current requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in the UK vary depending on the type of property and its intended use.

For residential properties, an EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented out. The EPC must be available to prospective buyers or tenants, and it must be displayed in any property listing or advertisement. The minimum EPC rating required for new tenancies is currently E, although some exemptions apply. From April 2025, this minimum rating will increase to a rating of C or higher for new tenancies.

What’s the government’s plan ?

The UK government has set a target for landlords to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher for all rental properties by 2025 for new tenancies, and by 2028 for all existing tenancies. The aim of this requirement is to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s rental properties, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to the UK’s overall goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To support this goal, the government has implemented various policies and initiatives, such as the Green Homes Grant and the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (closed in 2022), to encourage property owners to invest in energy-saving measures and renewable technologies. Additionally, the government is working with industry groups and stakeholders to provide guidance and support to landlords and property owners to help them achieve the required EPC rating.

How to check your energy efficiency rating?

To check the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of a property, you can search the EPC register, which is a national database of all EPCs in the UK. The register is accessible online, and it is free to use.

To check the EPC rating, you will need to enter the property’s postcode and the EPC reference number, which can be found on the EPC certificate. If you don’t have the EPC reference number, you can also search by the property’s address.

Once you have entered the required information, the EPC register will display the property’s EPC rating, as well as other details such as the property’s energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and recommendations for improvement. The register also provides information on how to obtain a copy of the EPC certificate, which contains more detailed information about the property’s energy performance and potential for energy efficiency improvements.

Energy rating C how to achieve it?

Achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher requires a combination of energy-saving measures that improve the energy efficiency of the property. The specific measures required will depend on the property’s existing energy performance and the potential for improvement.

Here are some examples of energy-saving measures that may be recommended to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher:

1. Insulation: Adding wall insulation and insulating the roof and floors of the property can significantly reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
2. Heating systems: Replacing an old or inefficient heating system with a modern, energy-efficient boiler, or installing a renewable heating system such as a heat pump can improve energy performance.
3. Double glazing: Double-glazed windows can reduce heat loss and improve the property’s energy efficiency. Triple glazing is quite new in the UK but it is worth considering to achieve the desired rating.
4. Energy-efficient lighting: Replacing old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the property’s EPC rating.
5. Renewable energy technologies: Installing solar panels or a wind turbine can generate renewable energy and improve the property’s EPC rating.
6. Address any draughts or air leaks: Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and other openings can reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

It’s important to note that the measures required to achieve an EPC rating of C or higher will depend on the specific property and its existing energy performance. Property owners and landlords should consult with a qualified energy assessor or a professional energy consultant to develop a tailored plan to improve their property’s energy efficiency and achieve the required EPC rating.

How much does it cost to improve your EPC rating?

The cost of the improvement will vary depending on the size and age of the property. Below we estimated the average cost based on the semi-detached property.

1. Insulation:
   The cost of cavity wall insulation in a UK semi-detached house can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the property, the location, and the insulation material used. As a rough estimate, the cost of cavity wall insulation in a semi-detached house in the UK can range from £500 to £1,500.
   As a rough estimate, the cost of solid walls insulation in a semi-detached house in the UK can range from £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the specific property and the type of insulation used. There are two main types of solid wall insulation: internal and external. Internal insulation is generally less expensive than external insulation, as it requires less work to install. However, internal insulation can also reduce the internal floor area of a property.
2. Heating system:
   To provide a rough estimate, upgrading a heating system in a UK semi-detached house may cost between £2,000 to £6,000. This cost may cover the installation of a new boiler, upgrading radiators, and the addition of controls like thermostats and timers. The overall cost of upgrading a heating system may vary based on the type of heating system being installed. A gas central heating system may be less expensive to install compared to a renewable heating system like an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump. Despite the higher initial cost, renewable heating systems may offer significant long-term energy bill savings.
3. Windows:
   The cost to replace windows in a UK semi-detached house can range from £3,000 to £10,000. This cost may cover the removal of old windows, installation of new ones, and any necessary adjustments to the surrounding wall or frames.The cost of replacing windows may also depend on the type of windows being installed. For example, double-glazed uPVC windows tend to be less expensive than timber or aluminium-framed windows. However, higher-end materials and features, such as triple-glazed windows or specialized coatings, may increase the overall cost. It’s important to note that all cases require building regulations approval for window replacement. This is to ensure that the windows meet the appropriate standards for thermal efficiency, ventilation, and safety.
4. Lights:
   The cost to replace lighting with energy-efficient options can range from £200 to £800. This cost may include purchasing and installing low-energy lighting or fixtures and any necessary adjustments or upgrades to the wiring or electrical system.The cost of replacing lighting may also depend on the lighting type. For example, replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs tends to be less expensive than replacing entire light fixtures or installing smart lighting systems.However, it’s important to consider the potential long-term savings on energy bills that can be achieved by upgrading to energy-efficient lighting options. Energy-efficient lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption and ultimately lower energy costs.
5. Draft proofing:
   The cost to draft proof a UK semi-detached house can range from £150 to £500. This cost may include the purchase and installation of draft excluders or weatherstripping materials, as well as any necessary adjustments to doors or windows to ensure a tight seal. Draft proofing is important, especially in older properties.

Does every landlord need to upgrade the EPC rating in rented properties?

Yes, all landlords in the UK are required to ensure that their rental properties meet a minimum EPC rating of “E” for new tenancies and for all existing tenancies by 1st April 2028. Landlords who fail to comply with this requirement may face financial penalties and may not be able to legally rent out their properties until the EPC rating is improved to the required standard.

However, it’s important to note that there are some exemptions to the EPC requirement, such as for buildings that are listed or in conservation areas, certain types of temporary buildings, and buildings that are used for less than four months of the year. Additionally, there may be some cases where it’s not technically feasible or cost-effective to achieve the minimum EPC rating of “E,” in which case landlords may need to explore alternative measures or seek an exemption from the requirement.

1. What is the EPC rating?

• The EPC rating is a measure of a building’s energy efficiency, with ratings ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

2. What are the UK government’s requirements for EPC ratings in rental properties?

• By 1st April 2025, all new tenancies must have a minimum EPC rating of “C,” and by 1st April 2028, all existing tenancies must also meet this requirement.

3. What are some common ways to improve a property’s EPC rating?

• Some common ways to improve a property’s EPC rating include upgrading insulation, improving heating systems, installing energy-efficient lighting, and draft proofing.

4. How much does it cost to upgrade a heating system in a UK semi-detached house?

• The cost to upgrade a heating system can range from £2,000 to £6,000, depending on the specific needs and the type of system being installed.

5. How much does it cost to replace windows in a UK semi-detached house?

• The cost to replace windows can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property and the type of windows being installed, but as a rough estimate, it can range from £3,000 to £6,000.

6. Do you need planning permission to replace windows in the UK?

• In most cases, planning permission is not required to replace windows, but there may be some exceptions for certain types of properties or if the replacement windows are significantly different from the original windows.

7. How much does it cost to draft proof a UK semi-detached house?

• The cost to draft proof a property can range from £150 to £500, depending on factors such as the size of the property and the specific areas that need to be addressed.

8. What are some exemptions to the EPC requirements?

• Exemptions may apply for listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas, certain types of temporary buildings, and buildings used for less than four months of the year.

9. What are the penalties for failing to comply with EPC requirements?

• Landlords who fail to comply with EPC requirements may face financial penalties and may not be able to legally rent out their properties until the EPC rating is improved to the required standard.

10. What are the potential long-term benefits of improving a property’s EPC rating?

• Improving a property’s EPC rating can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills, as well as make the property more comfortable and attractive to tenants.