Energy Efficiency

As a landlord, understanding and complying with energy efficiency requirements is essential — not only to meet legal obligations but also to attract and retain tenants, reduce operating costs, and add value to your property.

What should you know?

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• The EPC document rates the energy efficiency of your property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and in line with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) private landlords cannot legally rent out a property with an EPC rating below E.

• Before you rent out the property, you must provide a valid EPC to prospective tenants and this lasts 10 years.

• Fines of up to £5,000 can be incurred for renting out your property without the appropriate certificate

Common Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency

There may be options worth considering to help improve EPC ratings at your property:

• Insulation

  Loft and cavity wall insulation are cost-effective and significantly reduce heat loss.

• Efficient Heating

  Modern boilers (e.g. condensing combi boilers) or heat pumps although there is much debate around which serve best

• Double or Triple Glazing

  Reduces heat loss and improves comfort

• Low-Energy Lighting

  Use LED lights where possible

• Smart Thermostats

  Help tenants control heating and reduce waste

• Draught-proofing

  Sealing gaps in windows, doors, and floors whilst still being mindful of appropriate ventilation.

Financial Support & Incentives

Depending on the location of the property, you may be eligible for:

• Grants/subsidies for energy improvements

• Tax deductions for energy-efficient renovations

• Green loans or government-backed finance options

We met with Norfolk Warm Homes at the recent Broadland and South Norfolk Landlord event who will be sharing more on this in the future, but information in the meantime can be accessed here.

Consider options to make your property more energy efficient

For properties that have an EPC rating between D - G and are in Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales, there may be options to assist improve your property via the The Great British Insulation Scheme also which can be viewed here.

We have also mentioned in previous communications that IHI Insulation and Heating may be able to help in some cases.

Tenant Expectations & Marketing Advantage

• Energy-efficient homes attract better tenants and may justify higher rents

• Tenants are more concerned about energy bills; an efficient home is a selling point

• Can reduce tenant turnover due to comfort and affordability

Maintenance Responsibilities

• Ensure that heating systems, insulation, and ventilation are maintained and working efficiently

• Keep records of service checks and upgrades

• Keep up to date with annual energy checks, especially before winter

Documentation You Should Keep

• Valid EPC certificate

• Details of energy upgrades done (dates, contractors, specs)

• Utility bills could be beneficial to help you monitor movement

• Warranty and servicing documents for heating systems and insulation

The Future

Of course we are all well aware of the Governments plans to tightening regulations on energy efficiency and improve ratings raising the minimum EPC rating for rentals to C by 2030, although there is still much to uncover.