A recent analysis from epIMS has found that 42% of landlords are unaware of upcoming regulatory changes requiring private rental properties to have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band C.

On December 4, 2024, the Government launched a consultation on proposed changes to the EPC framework. It is expected that from 2030, private rental properties will be required by law to meet a minimum EPC rating of C.

Currently, an EPC is mandatory for all rental properties, with the minimum standard set at E. Certificates are valid for ten years, meaning many landlords have not needed to reassess their properties’ ratings for some time. As a result, 27% of landlords do not know the current EPC rating of their properties.

Additionally, 32% of landlords are unaware that EPC ratings are determined through a points-based system, and 65% do not know the number of points required to achieve a Band C rating.

When asked about their plans for implementing necessary energy efficiency upgrades, 15% of landlords said they intend to do so within the next 12 months, while 11% expect to make changes within four years. However, 75% plan to wait until closer to the 2030 deadline.

Craig Cooper, COO of epIMS, said: “A lot of landlords feel like they’re swimming against the tide at the moment, and with the Government now intent on introducing new minimum EPC standards, it’s understandable that many feel frustrated at yet another policy that is likely to eat away at their profit margins.

“But improving an EPC rating needn’t be difficult or overly expensive, it just requires a good understanding of how ratings are attributed and how different improvements can increase your score.

“To this end, landlords are being bombarded with generalised lessons on how to improve a rating, but this knowledge is only so helpful.

“No two properties are the same, so what’s important is gaining insight into exactly where your specific property is falling short and what improvements are going to have the biggest impact in terms of the points awarded.”

Cooper also noted that achieving compliance may be more straightforward than many expect: “With this knowledge in hand, landlords may be pleasantly surprised by how simple and affordable it can be to reach the required standard.

“For example, the difference between a D and C might only be a few EPC points that can be collected through the most minor of improvements.”

With the 2030 deadline approaching, landlords should take steps to assess and improve their properties’ energy efficiency to ensure compliance.