EPC ratings measure a property’s energy efficiency. A residence’s energy efficiency depends on insulation, heating, and lighting. A is the most efficient grade, and G is the least. EPC ratings offer tips on energy efficiency, saving money, and lowering costs.

Every responsible landlord desires secure and comfortable houses for their tenants, but keeping up with changes takes work. An EPC for your home is crucial. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) verifies a building’s energy efficiency. Every home for sale or rent must have one.

Laws and norms take time to grasp. We gathered this information on EPC requirements for landlords.

Here is everything you need to know about EPCs for landlords, so let’s get started. Tenants can get a better house EPC rating by upgrading the heating system. You can use the government’s ECO4 scheme as a low-income landlord. The primary goal of this scheme is to provide energy-efficient heating upgrades to enhance the EPC rating of UK homes. To check your eligibility, visit https://grantboilers.org.uk/.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures how well a building uses energy. Ratings include CO2 emissions and heating expenses.

A residence for sale or rent needs an EPC.

In 2008, Home Information Packs (HIPs) added the EPC to give buyers and tenants more accurate energy efficiency information.

The EPC describes the building’s energy efficiency and improvements. Implementing them predicts grades.

Energy Efficiency Rating

Home energy efficiency is categorised from A’ to G’, with A’ being the most efficient. Outdated buildings lacking double glazing or insulation are likely to obtain a lousy grade.

A number between 1 and 100 will be given. Energy and bill savings increase with higher numbers.

Your EPC will estimate heating, lighting, and water bills and suggest energy-saving measures. Upgrades like energy-efficient light bulbs and wall insulation may green your home.

What’s the Lowest Energy Efficiency Standard for Landlords?

Private landlords must ensure their rental homes get an E grade by April 2018. Failure to meet this threshold could result in a fine, which you should never do!

If the landlord allows, tenants can make the homes greener.

Starting in April 2020, all assured tenancies will follow these guidelines.

Visit the government website for landlord requirements.

What Kinds of Properties Need An EPC?

Every home and company in England and Wales needs an EPC. Before listing, you must order the EPC to lease a house.

Only listings, residences, and holiday rentals utilised less than four months a year are exempt. This restriction does not apply to homeowner-rented rooms.

Show potential renters the EPC and give them a copy for free. Do not believe it!

How Long Does the Energy Performance Certificate Valid?

This kind of document is valid for ten years after it expires. It’s okay if the house has an EPC from a previous tenant as long as it’s valid.

How to Get an EPC?

If you are a responsible homeowner, you should only hire a certified Domestic Energy Assessor to do the EPC for your home.

You can find a list of approved EPC companies in the UK in the Energy Efficiency Certificate register.

How can I improve my EPC rating?

Here are some things you can do to improve your EPC rating:

  • Improve the insulation in the floors, walls, and roof.
  • Old heating systems that don’t use energy efficiently should be replaced with new ones that do.
  • Installation of double or triple windows.
  • Adding room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves will help.
  • Install lights that use less energy, like LED bulbs.
  • Think about using clean energy sources like heat pumps or solar panels.

What is a Good EPC Score?

The EPC scale goes from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient. Your business needs to get a score between 92 and 100 to get an A. On the other hand, an A, B, or C rating with a score between 69 and 100 is a good EPC ranking.

The Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is used to calculate the EPC. Points are given based on several energy-related factors that show how well a building uses energy. Let’s know what is a good EPC score for your property!

EPC RatingSAP Points
A92-100
B81-91
C69-80
D55-68
E39-54
F21-38
G1-20

What does the Energy Performance Certificate Cost?

This is an essential question for landlords! Unfortunately, there is currently no fixed rate for EPCs. However, prices usually start at £35. Factors such as the property size, the type of property, how many bedrooms it has, and location are all considered.

Therefore, EPCs for larger homes in desirable locations will likely cost more.

EPCs and Feed in Tariffs

If your home has solar PV and you want to receive money from the government’s feed-in tariff (FIT), you must show proof of a good EPC grade.

The Benefits of Having an EPC

It may sound like a hassle, but there are some benefits to getting a CPE for your property.

Having an EPC means you can feel safe knowing your property is within the required energy efficiency standards. That’s one less thing to worry about.

Regularly checking your home’s energy efficiency can also help you save money on your tenants’ energy bills. The split of energy costs in the EPC will also help you prepare for future expenses. This will be especially helpful for landlords who are in charge of several homes.

Recent Changes to the EPC

Starting April 1, 2019, landlords will have to pay up to £3,500 for work to raise their property’s rating to an E. The ‘no cost to the owner’ exemption will no longer apply. If the costs are higher than this amount, homeowners can apply for a “high cost” exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register and provide strong proof.

Landlords in the private rental market need to keep up with this big change. 

Summary

To conclude, knowing your property’s EPC grade and improving it can have a big effect on your energy bills, carbon emissions, and overall home value. If you consider the factors that affect the grade and make the suggested changes, you can make the property more energy-efficient, better for the environment, and more appealing to buyers or tenants.

A low EPC rating can be caused by many things, such as not enough insulation, poorly working heating systems, single or old double glazing, thermostatic radiator valves or room thermostats, poorly working lighting, and a lack of renewable energy sources. Taking care of these things can help your home’s EPC grade high.

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