Help for the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards is here!

If you’re the landlord of one of the draughtiest properties in the UK, be warned – it won’t be allowed to stay that way. Did you know that the laws around Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for rental properties were changed in 2020/2021 and landlords can now be fined up to £5,000 if your property is found to have an energy efficiency rating of F or G?

This government crackdown is an attempt to improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings in the UK’s private rented sector, which has 6.3% F and G rated properties – the biggest share of non-energy efficient homes in the country.

This guide for landlords will help you understand the latest regulations and show you how to improve your EPC rating and the benefits you can reap while doing so.

What is an EPC?

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificates) is a report that assesses the energy efficiency of properties and recommends specific ways in which it can be improved. It gives your property a colour-coded grade (A – G) that gives would-be renters (or potentially buyers) an idea of how much energy bills will cost.

Why are Landlords getting fined over their EPC?

From 1st April 2020, landlords who rent out a property with an EPC rating of F or G can now face a civil penalty of up to £5,000 for non-compliance with the government’s new Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations.
MEES regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic, private rented properties – if your property’s EPC rating is E or above, you’re compliant with the regulations and can breathe a sigh of relief – at least for now (more on the government’s 2022 plans later).
However, if your property has an EPC rating of F or G, you’re breaking the law and could potentially be looking at a sizable fine – which would vary, depending on the length of the breach of regulations.

What can Landlords do to get their properties to the legal EPC rating?

If you’ve checked your property’s EPC rating and it’s a F or a G, which is not at the required standard, you’ll need to act fast. If it’s a D or an E, you’ll want to get that rating up in preparation for the potential hike to a minimum requirement of C or D by 2022.

Or, if you’re a forward-thinking landlord who wants to further improve your EPC rating to appeal to growing numbers of eco-conscious tenants, we’ve put together the five best ways to do it. Think about what’s most cost-effective – it might be that you can make a number of these changes at the same time. Eg. do insulation, windows and heating systems in one fell swoop, rather than doing things piecemeal, especially when you consider all the labour and materials it would entail.

Top tips are:

Upgrade to LED light bulbs, Insulate your property, Double or Triple glazing, Install a more efficient heating system, install Solar PV where possible.

How can we help?

Eco Carbon Traders are Trustmark Government Endorsed company that has access to funded utility company schemes, that may provide funding towards getting your property up to the lawful EPC rating. We are also fully accredited installers keeping everything in house for complete peace of mind.

We are here to help, please contact us now!