Over 40% of landlords unsure about EPC requirements

More than 25% of landlords don’t know their current energy performance certificate (EPC) according to a new survey. 

In December the government announced consultation on changes to the current EPC requirements which could force private landlords to achieve an EPC rating of at least C by 2030. EPC ratings range from A to G with A being the most energy efficient. Currently, the minimum for privately rented properties is a rating of E. 

But research by energy performance platform epIMS reveals that four out of 10 landlords are unaware of the consultation. A similar number (42%) were unaware of proposals to change the required rating to C. When asked about their current ratings, 27% did not know the EPC for each property in their portfolio. 

The survey revealed that 15% of landlords plan to make energy efficient improvements to boost their ratings within 12 months, with 11% saying they will do so within four years. However, the vast majority (75%) said they would wait until closer to the 2030 deadline. 

For most landlords the cost was the biggest barrier to making improvements with ‘understanding what improvements will positively impact my EPC score’, coming second. 

According to Craig Cooper from epIMS: “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.” 

“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,” he added. 

Read more about this story on the Property Reporter website.