Update – Changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Regulations

The landscape of lettings in the UK is evolving once more, and landlords need to be ready. Unveiled recently, amendments to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for England and Wales stipulate that all rental properties must achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or higher by 2028.

These changes underline a resolute commitment by the UK Government to mitigate the environmental impact of domestic energy use, making energy efficiency a priority and progressing towards a greener, more sustainable future. This shift not only represents an important stride in addressing the climate crisis, but also aims to make homes more comfortable and reduce energy bills for tenants.

As a landlord, it is imperative to familiarise yourself with these changes to the EPC regulations. Not only will it be a legal obligation, but such energy efficiency improvements could enhance the attractiveness of your property to prospective tenants, potentially securing longer tenancies and adding to your property’s value.

You want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to provide a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient home for your tenants. One of the most important things you can do to achieve this goal is to obtain and maintain a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property.

What is an EPC?

An EPC is a document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property and provides recommendations for improvements. It rates the property on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least. The certificate also includes an estimate of the property’s energy costs and carbon emissions. From 2025, the minimum rating will need to be a C, so have a read of our guide to find out how to upgrade your property or see if any exemptions apply to you.

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When is a new EPC required?

You don’t need to obtain a new EPC for every tenancy. Instead, a new EPC is only required if there has been a significant change to the property that could affect its energy efficiency. For example, if you make improvements to the property that could improve its energy efficiency, you may want to obtain a new EPC to reflect these changes.

Other changes that could trigger the need for a new EPC include changes to the property’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, or changes to the property’s layout that could affect its energy efficiency. However, if the property remains the same, you don’t need to obtain a new EPC every time you get a new tenant.

There are also some exceptions and special cases where an EPC may not be required, such as for listed buildings or buildings with certain architectural features.

Renewing an EPC

An EPC is valid for 10 years, so you don’t need to renew it until it has expired. However, renewing an EPC can be a good idea if you’ve made improvements to the property that could improve its energy efficiency. A new EPC will reflect these changes and give you a better understanding of your property’s energy performance.

It’s also important to note that renewing an EPC is not the same as obtaining a new one. You can renew an EPC by hiring an assessor to conduct a new assessment and update the existing certificate.

There are some common misconceptions about renewing an EPC. For example, some landlords believe they need to obtain a new EPC every time a tenancy ends, but this is not the case. Renewing an EPC is only necessary if there has been a significant change to the property that could affect its energy efficiency.

Consequences of not having a valid EPC

If you don’t have a valid EPC for your property, you could face legal implications and potential fines. In England and Wales, failing to obtain an EPC can result in a fine of up to £5,000. If you fail to renew an EPC when it has expired, you could face a penalty charge notice of £200.

Not having a valid EPC could also make it harder to rent out your property, as tenants are increasingly aware of the importance of energy efficiency and may prefer properties with a higher rating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a landlord, it’s important to obtain and maintain a valid EPC for your property. While you don’t need to obtain a new EPC for every tenancy, it’s important to understand when a new EPC is required and to keep your existing certificate up-to-date. Renewing an EPC can be a good idea if you

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