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Energy efficiency for private landlords

All UK residential buildings that are available to buy or rent, must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (GOV.UK).

  • This gives your property an energy efficiency rating between A and G.
  • It also shows the potential rating if certain improvements are made.

You must have an EPC for potential tenants, before marketing the property. You can be served a seven day notice to get one, if:

  • You advertise property without one;
  • or have not made one available for a new/recent tenancy (within six months of the start date).

Please note: If landlords do not meet this notice, they can be issued with a £200 fixed penalty.

  • Costs for getting an EPC start from around £40 - £50 for each certificate, but depends on the size of the property. They are valid for 10 years and can be re-used for new tenants within this period.
  • As a private landlord, you cannot refuse any reasonable requests that tenants make for energy efficiency improvements.
  • Changes to legislation, expected to start from April 2018, will mean:
    • Landlords will not be able to let a property with an EPC banding lower than an 'E', unless:
      • They can prove that they have done all they can to bring the property up to standard.
      • It is a listed property and the minimum energy performance requirements would not be acceptable to alter the property.

Only accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs) can produce a valid EPC. To find a qualified DEA, visit: Get a New Energy Performance Certificate (GOV.UK).

For more about energy efficiency regulations, please see: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Benefits of increased energy efficiency

  • Improve the EPC rating of the property and make sure that you are renting a property that meets standards.
  • Can increase the value and how desirable your property is, so reduce empty periods.
  • Warmer homes and cheaper energy bills will result in happier tenants with more disposable income making rent arrears less likely.
  • Lower maintenance bills as the likelihood of mould, damp, condensation and freezing pipes are all reduced.

Note: Do you intend to make energy efficiency improvements to a listed property or in an area of conservation? To make sure they are permitted, please contact: Planning services.

Private landlords can get financial support too...

Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

ECO for the big six energy suppliers provides financial support to help vulnerable householders install insulation and heating systems. This is for owner occupiers and tenants in private rented properties. (Your rented property could also benefit from this funding.)

The criteria for this support depends upon your tenants circumstances and the location and construction of your property. For more about this:

If your tenant qualifies for funds, the contractor appointed to do the work and get the funds will:

  • Contact you to get permission from you as the landlord.
  • Discuss any shortfall in funding and options for how this could be financed, if needed.

We are committed to help landlords to make sure that their properties meet the expected standards.

Our Healthy Homes Service

This helps with empty homes, essential housing repairs and energy efficiency.

For support or advice on any of these issues, please contact Housing Homes Service:

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