How Landlords Can Boost EPC Ratings With Double Glazing
The UK government plan to make changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) guidelines to improve energy standards for private tenants.
It is proposed that, by 2030, all rental properties must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C when they are let to a new tenant.
Any properties that do not meet this requirement will not qualify for an exemption and may no longer be legally rented.
Currently, fewer than half (48%) of privately rented homes in England meet this standard, putting pressure on landlords to ensure that their properties are compliant or risk losing future rental income.
However, with the right upgrades, you can improve the EPC ratings of your properties and ensure they not only conform to these proposed standards but are also more energy-efficient. After all, an energy-efficient property will always be cheaper to run and therefore more appealing to potential tenants.
At Homeglaze, we are leading providers of double glazing in Basildon, and the wider Essex, Hertfordshire and the North, East and South East London areas. If you want greater advice on how to make your property more efficient, we’ll be happy to help. Get in touch with us today.
Why Is Your EPC Rating Important?
An EPC Rating gives your property’s energy efficiency a score from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). When a property has a poor energy rating, it will have higher energy bills and lower appeal in a competitive tenancy market.
With a poor energy rating, upcoming legislative changes, and the growing demand for more efficient properties from tenants, as a landlord, you could find yourself reducing your rent prices, dealing with extended empty periods, and eventually being unable to rent out the property at all.
That is exactly why now is the best time to invest in your property and make the upgrades required to improve energy performance.
What Are The Current Energy Efficiency Requirements For Landlords?
All rental properties in the UK are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate. An EPC is a good way for both landlords and tenants to understand whether the property is efficient and identify areas for improvement.
Every 10 years, landlords must replace the EPC and update it. It is down to the landlord to provide the tenant with a new, valid EPC, including a copy when they move in.
Properties sold or let in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of at least E. This applies to both new and existing tenancies. It is unlawful to continue letting a domestic property that has an EPC rating of F or G, unless you have a valid exemption certificate.
What Are The Proposed Changes To EPC Requirements For Rental Properties?
The previous UK government proposed changes to the minimum energy efficiency standard for England and Wales. Under these changes, all rental properties would have to meet an EPC rating of C or above by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing tenancies. However, in September 2023, it was announced that this would not go ahead.
However, the current UK government are committed to making homes in the private rental sector more efficient by meeting minimum standards by 2030, thus suggesting that they are considering reversing the change.
It is widely believed that in 2026 it will become law for landlords to ensure that their properties meet a minimum EPC rating of C by 1st October 2030, for both new and existing tenancies. This removes the previous 2028 deadline.
Landlords will not be expected to spend more than £10,000 to reach this target, a decrease from the previous proposals of £15,000. Any landlords who have reached this limit and not achieved a C rating on the property will be able to apply for a 10-year exemption.
Any improvements made to the property from October 2025 will count towards the price cap.
What Are The Exemptions?
Some properties may be exempt from these regulatory requirements. This may be due to affordability, refusal of mortgage lender consent, or structural issues.
If your property meets the criteria for any of the exemptions, you must register on the PRS Exemption Register. An exemption will last for 5 years.
Why Are These Changes Coming Into Place?
A change to the EPC regulations will be part of two key government initiatives. First is the net-zero goal, and second is the Warm Homes Plan, which will improve energy efficiency and decrease heating utility costs across England. The Warm Homes Plan will lift over 1 million people out of fuel poverty by 2030.
The calculations for EPC ratings will also change, using a new multi-metric system instead of the cost-based approach. This calculation will take into account how well buildings retain heat, how efficient the heating system is, if smart technology can be integrated into the property to streamline energy use, and overall energy cost. This new system is expected to be introduced in 2026, giving landlords a much more detailed understanding of their property’s energy efficiency and clear advice on improvements that must be made.
How Can Double Glazing Improve A Property’s EPC Rating?
Double glazing improves a property’s EPC rating by trapping an insulating layer of gas or air between two panes of glass. This can reduce heat loss by up to 65% by slowing down thermal transfer, directly reducing the energy required to heat the property.
Whether your existing windows are poorly fitted, old or simply cause drafts, this will force your heating system to work harder. Choosing to upgrade to modern, A-rated glazing can drastically reduce your home’s energy demand, and in some cases, improve your EPC rating by a whole grade.
If you’re looking for greater advice on double glazing and how to improve your property’s EPC rating, speak to our team today. With over 30 years of experience, our experts will visit your property to understand your needs and provide a detailed assessment and quote, completely free of charge.