Why landlords should prepare now for new EPC regulations in 2025

EPC Deadlines
The effort towards tackling climate change is continuing in the right direction. With EPC deadlines closing in, it’s important to be prepared and understand the actions you can take to meet regulations.

Buy-to-Let Market
Economic uncertainty and the continuous work towards meeting EPC ratings could cause confusion and disruption. You may start looking at cost-effective ways to meet regulations, meet the demands of the market and maintain your portfolio. Concentrating on the importance of saving costs, there are a variety of options available to you in order to meet regulations. With the government’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, it’s important to plan ahead. These are the upcoming EPC changes for you to be aware of for your rental properties:

2025
Minimum EPC rating of C for new tenancies.

2028
Minimum EPC rating of C for all tenancies.

How to Improve EPC Rating
Most of you will be aware of the upcoming changes to regulations and deadlines, but many need guidance on where to go next. To meet the requirements, your actions are likely to vary and these are based on existing property features. These are some of the actions you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your portfolio:

• LED bulbs: Improve the environmental performance, energy efficiency and reduce costs by gradually switching to LED bulbs.
• Fabric draught excluders: An effective way to help stop air from passing through door gaps.
• Alternative appliances: Replacing appliances with more energy-efficient alternatives.
• Wall, floor and roof insulation: Installing insulation can increase the airtightness, slowing the transfer of heat.
• Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels: By adopting new technology, you can cut your carbon footprint and limit your reliance on electricity suppliers.
• Heat pumps: An alternative to a boiler, heat pumps can transfer neutral heat from the ground, water or air into your home.

To meet the UK government’s regulations, unless you are exempt, you’ll need to aim for an EPC of C by 2025 if you are planning to launch new tenancies, or 2028 if you run existing rental properties. Upon making energy efficiency improvements to your property, you may find that it:

• Costs less money to maintain and heat
• Commands a higher asking price when sold
• Attracts tenants who are willing to pay a premium
• Lowers your property’s carbon footprint