EPC Ratings – What you need to know and how to improve yours.
EPC Ratings. What you need to know and how to improve yours.
EPC ratings for domestic private dwellings is changing, as the Government have recently pledged their commitment to be Net Zero by 2050, and to provide more energy efficient housing. As a landlord this affects you.
Back in 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into force. This meant that all tenanted properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E. This requirement will tighten from the 1st April 2023 and landlords and property owners with properties that do not have a EPC rating of A to E will need to carry out sufficient works to improve the rating before the 1st April deadline, or else to register a valid exemption if available. If they do not comply, they will face a fine or prosecution.
From 2025 any newly rented properties will need a rating of at least a C, and any existing tenancies will have until 2028 to do the same.
Are there exemptions to this legislation?
There are some exemptions to not having an Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC ). These are listed below:
- listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it
- a temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less
- used as a place of worship or for other religious activities
- an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy
- a detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres
- due to be demolished by the seller or landlord and they have all the relevant planning and conservation consents
What happens if you do not have a EPC Certificate?
Without a EPC Certificate, you can not legally let out your property. You could face a fine up of to £5000 from your Local Authority. This may rise to £30,000 in 2025 if your rating is below a C.
Remember, Reka Property Management can help you with obtaining a EPC Certificate
How long do they last and can I find out if one already exists on the property?
A EPC Certificate lasts for ten years from issue and as it relates to the property, and not the person that commissioned it, there may well be one in place if you have taken over a property. Check the Government’s website for more details.
How can you increase your EPC rating?
The good news is that there are ways to increase your rating so that it is compliant with the Government’s deadlines. Below is a list of six suggestions on how to do this:
- Install internal/external wall insulation. …
- Insulate the loft
- Use LED lighting
- Increase hot water cylinder insulation. …
- Use heating controls. …
- Install a more energy efficient boiler.
What should you do if your property currently has a rating of a F or G EPC rating?
You will need to address this issue immediately. From April 2023 your properties, regardless of whether they have existing or new tenants in them currently, will need to have a rating of E or less. Have a look at the points above which can help you achieve this, or speak to Reka who can talk you through the process.
Do HMOs need a EPC?
Landlords who have HMOs with shared facilities, be that bathrooms, showers, and kitchen and have individual tenancy agreements do not required a EPC for each unit. However, if the HMO is a mixed property with shared and self-contained units, then a ECP will be required for the parts that are wholly self-contained.
Also, if the property is sold as one dwelling, or convert is to self-contained units then a HMO license may be required. In all instances we suggest you speak to us or check the definition of your property carefully to ensure that you are not subjected to fines or penalties.
Next Steps
If you need to ensure that your property has a rating of E or less by the April deadline, are unsure of whether your property requires a EPC Certificate or how to obtain one, or require help converting your property to ensure it is environmentally compliant, please do get in touch.
