N 2022 the Government proposed new changes to the EPC regulations that would change the Minimum Energy Efficient Standards, coming into play between 2025 - 2028.

What is an EPC Rating?

First introduced in 2007, an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating is used in England and Wales to judge a property's energy efficiency on a scale of A-G, with A being the most efficient and G the least.

A low EPC rating can result in lower energy bills as well as reducing your carbon footprint, which makes the property more attractive to potential tenants and buyers.

Landlords are responsible for providing tenants with an EPC rating and have to get a new rating every 10 years.

What are the new changes?

At the moment, you need an EPC rating of at least an E to be able to rent out your property. The big change is that beginning in 2025, any newly rented properties will need a rating of at least a C, and any existing tenancies will have until 2028 to do the same. The changes are being put in place to ensure energy-efficient homes meet the government net-zero carbon targets.

To go alongside the change of rating, a harsher penalty up to  £30,000 per property will be dished out to a landlord for non-compliance

How to prepare

These changes could potentially cost landlords thousands of pounds, but the government have helped out with a list of things that will help to increase EPC rating. They recommend starting with low-cost measures such as adding insulation to wall cavities, floors, and lofts. They also suggest installing a smart meter and LED lights throughout the property.

To get a rating of C, landlords may have to splash the cash by getting more expensive products such as triple-glazed windows, solar panels, and more energy-efficient boilers.

Will landlords get financial support?

At present, there is no plan for landlords in Doncaster or in any part of the UK to receive any financial support to help deal with the new changes, but landlord associations and regulatory bodies are coming together to call for support financially.

Its worth noting that