A recent survey has revealed that 42% of landlords are unaware of the upcoming requirement for private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C. This highlights a significant knowledge gap as the deadline to meet these energy efficiency standards approaches.
The research, conducted by epIMS, sheds light on the general lack of awareness among landlords regarding EPC regulations. By 2030, all privately rented properties will be expected to comply with the new standards, yet many landlords remain uninformed about these changes.
Adding to the concern, 40% of landlords admitted they were unaware of a government consultation launched last month regarding proposed modifications to the EPC rating system. This consultation could have major implications for property owners, but a substantial portion of them have yet to engage with the process.
The findings also show that 27% of landlords do not even know the current EPC rating of their properties. This lack of awareness could create challenges in meeting future compliance deadlines and could lead to potential penalties.
As regulatory changes move forward, landlords must stay informed and take action to improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties. Preparing early will ensure compliance and help avoid costly last-minute upgrades.
Introducing new minimum EPC standards
Craig Cooper from the firm acknowledges that many landlords are feeling overwhelmed by the increasing regulations in the rental market. With the government pushing forward new minimum EPC standards, many landlords are concerned about the financial impact on their properties and profit margins.
However, Cooper reassures landlords that improving an EPC rating doesn’t have to be a complex or costly process. The key is to understand how ratings are calculated and how specific upgrades can make a significant difference to a property’s energy efficiency score.
He points out that landlords are often inundated with generic advice on improving EPC ratings. While this information can be useful, it doesn’t always provide clear guidance on what changes will be the most effective for a particular property.
Since no two properties are identical, it is crucial for landlords to assess where their property falls short and which improvements will have the greatest impact. This targeted approach can help ensure that upgrades are both cost-effective and beneficial.
Cooper also emphasises that many landlords may be surprised by how straightforward and affordable it can be to achieve the required EPC standard. By focusing on the right improvements, compliance can be reached without excessive investment.
Valid EPC is a legal necessity
Having a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement, with the current minimum standard set at an E rating. These certificates are valid for ten years, meaning many landlords have not had to reassess their properties’ ratings for some time.
According to epIMs, an energy efficiency platform designed for landlords, a significant number of property owners are still unfamiliar with how EPC ratings are calculated. Their research found that 32% of landlords do not understand the points-based system used to determine a property’s energy efficiency rating.
Even more concerning is that 65% of landlords are unsure of how many points are required to achieve a C rating—the standard they will need to meet in the coming years. This lack of awareness could pose challenges as the government moves towards stricter EPC regulations.
When it comes to making improvements, the majority of landlords appear to be in no rush. The survey revealed that 75% plan to wait until the 2030 deadline before making any changes to their properties. This suggests that many may be delaying action due to uncertainty or financial concerns.
Cost remains the biggest barrier for landlords in meeting the new EPC standards, with many also struggling to identify which upgrades will have the most impact on their ratings. Without clearer guidance, many property owners may find it difficult to make the necessary improvements in time.
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