Having previously set energy standards for rental properties in England and Wales to have an EPC rating of C or above by 2025, the Government recently announced it was scrapping the policy, but will be continuing to encourage households to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. 

While this change means landlords are no longer legally obliged to meet upgraded energy requirements, it’s still advisable to find ways of boosting energy performance throughout the home. Not only will certain improvements or installations help in supporting the drive to reach Net Zero by 2050, but they can save money when it comes to energy bills. 

Here are our top tips for improving your rented property’s energy efficiency and, therefore, its EPC rating. What’s more, with tenants increasingly factoring energy efficiency into their decision making, you may even find your property becomes more desirable, too.

1. Switch to LED lightbulbs: More energy efficient than traditional halogen lightbulbs, LEDs are also more environmentally friendly. Suitable to use across a variety of fixtures and fittings, LED lightbulbs last five times longer, use significantly less energy to produce the same light and also emit lower carbon dioxide emissions. Making upgrades following an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a good time for landlords to install them.
2. Reduce heat waste: Reducing heat loss is a sensible move and draught proofing is one of the lowest cost and most straightforward ways to do this. Common areas include doors, chimneys and skirting boards through to loft hatches, pipework, old extractor fans and cracks in walls.
3. Replace appliances: Another smart way to improve energy efficiency is to replace appliances with higher rated ones. All appliances are marked with an energy label, with A+++ being the top performing. When making new purchases, it’s wise to review the label and look for products with the best energy rating for the size required. It’s important to ensure that any items that are being replaced are disposed of appropriately. Items with a wheelie bin image on them cannot be thrown away in the general household waste. Although not a requirement, many retailers will offer to collect old appliances. Items can also be taken to local recycling centres or, in the case of larger items, be collected by the local authority. 
4. Improved insulation – not forgetting the curtains: Improved insulation in roofs and cavity walls may help as will installing double-glazed windows and thermally efficient doors. Meanwhile, thick curtains are one of the main ways to protect your house from losing heat through the windows and if replacement is not an option, it is worth looking into having your existing ones lined.
5. EPC rating: When you sell or rent you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which takes in information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs as well as recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money. Ratings are banded from A (the most efficient) to G (the least). Assured Shorthold Tenancies must have an EPC of at least band E, and although plans to raise to a band C have been pulled, taking steps to make your property more energy efficient now will pay dividends in the future. Certificates are valid for 10 years and if you don’t have one or it is out of date, you must instruct an accredited assessor to produce the certificate prior to marketing to let. You may well find that your rating has risen due to improvements in how ratings are now calculated or work that has been done such as replacing a boiler or moving to energy efficient lightbulbs. It’s a good idea to discuss a re-assessment with an assessor before you tackle any new upgrades.
6. Boiler: An efficient boiler can make a significant difference, both in terms of energy used but also associated costs and bills. If you already have a new boiler, you can still look to gain points with other upgrades and by insulating any water tank. 

Further information

Contact Theresa Wallace