New Efficiency Rules for Landlords (E to D 2025 then C 2030) Horsham

New Efficiency Rules for Landlords.

As a landlord, you're probably aware that things are changing when it comes to the energy efficiency of your rental properties. 

By 2030, all privately rented homes in the UK will need an Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC) rating of C or higher. (Currently the minimum standard is E)

So, what does this mean for you? 

Basically, if your property doesn't already have a C rating, you'll need to make some improvements. These could be things like better insulation, upgrading your boiler, or even installing solar panels. 

The good news is that there are grants and schemes available to help you with the cost of these improvements. 

Of course, there's an upfront cost to making these changes. But in the long run, they'll likely save your tenant money on their energy bills. Plus, more energy-efficient homes are generally more comfortable to live in, which could make your properties more attractive to tenants. 

So, what can you do to get ready? 

First, find out what your property's current EPC rating is. (It should already be a minimum of E if it’s currently rented out) 

Next, if you need to make improvements, start researching what needs to be done and how much it might cost. And remember, you're not alone in this. There are plenty of resources available to help landlords like you get ready for these new rules. 

The new efficiency rules are being phased in. From April 2025, the minimum EPC rating will be raised from E to D, and then it'll go up to C by 2030. So you've got a bit of time, but it's definitely something to start thinking about. 

It's worth noting that the average EPC score for homes in England and Wales is currently a D. This means that many landlords will need to take action to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. 

There are several things you can do to improve your property's EPC score. Adding more insulation to your loft and walls is a good place to start. Upgrading to double- or triple-glazed windows can also make a big difference. Finally, if your boiler is old and inefficient, replacing it with a modern one can give your EPC score a significant boost. 

When it comes to your boiler, the EPC takes a few things into account, like how powerful it is, how old it is, and how energy efficient it is. Older, less efficient boilers will drag your EPC score down, while newer, more efficient ones will give you a better score. 

The EPC for a boiler isn't based on the brand or model, but on its power output, age, and efficiency. For example, a Worcester Greenstar 28i Junior would be rated based on its 28kW output, its efficiency of around 90%, and its age. It's hard to say exactly what EPC score you'd get without knowing a bit more about the boiler's condition and how it's used. But generally speaking, a 10-year-old Worcester Greenstar 28i Junior in good condition should be fairly efficient and get a decent score. Keep in mind, the EPC isn't just about the boiler – it's about the whole property. So, even a great boiler might not be enough to get you a high overall EPC score. 

The EPC also takes radiators into account. They look at the total heating area you've got compared to the size of your home, and the type of radiators you have. Modern radiators are generally more efficient than old-fashioned cast iron ones. 

If your rental property doesn't meet the minimum EPC rating, you could face a hefty fine. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the issue, but it could be thousands of pounds. There's also the risk that your local council could take you to court, which could lead to even bigger problems. 

It's really hard to say exactly how much it would cost to raise the average property from a D to a C rating, because it depends on a bunch of things. The size of the property, how many windows it has, and what needs replacing all play a part. Also, prices for things like insulation and new boilers can change. But, if I had to guess, it could cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. 

It's important to remember that these new rules only apply to privately rented homes. Homes owned by local authorities are not included in these regulations. However, local authorities do have to meet the Decent Homes Standard, which includes ensuring homes are safe, secure, and warm. 

This means they need to consider energy efficiency, but the requirements aren't as detailed as the EPC system for private rentals. 

There are a few different schemes to help you with the cost of making your rental property more energy efficient. These include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the Green Homes Grant, and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

Andrew Tyler, Gas Safe Registered Heating Engineer, Horsham.