From April 2018, landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic property in England or Wales will need to ensure that their properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E.

We recommend that Landlords in Leicestershire familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes to ensure that they aren’t susceptible to fines. If a property is found to have a poorer rating than E, tenancy cannot be granted and penalties will be incurred by the landlord.

Why Leicestershire landlords should be wary

In Leicestershire, there are a number of older homes and there is a strong demand for rental properties in the county, including Loughborough. Whilst newly built homes are likely to have a good EPC rating, older properties are typically less energy efficient and will be on the lower end of the scale.

Leicestershire is rich in history and Leicester itself is one of the oldest cities in England. As such, there are plenty of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian homes that add charm to the area but, beneath the beautiful exterior, they are less likely to be as well insulated as a modern property.

What is an EPC rating?

An EPC rating shows how efficiently space and water are heated in the property.  It takes into account the approximate heating and lighting costs and the environmental impact. Government data shows that 26 per cent of domestic properties had an E, F or G rating between 2008 and 2015.

It has been a requirement to have an EPC since the law changed in 2008. If your home has been let or sold since then, it should have one and they remain valid for 10 years.

How to improve EPC rating

Many landlords get by making little investment into their properties in search of higher profits but this new regulation will force spending. However, landlords shouldn’t see improving a home’s energy efficiency as an expense as it can actually help in the sale. Government research has found that making energy-saving improvements to a property can increase its value by 14 per cent.

We advise landlords to check their EPC rating and, if the rating is below E, make changes that enhance energy efficiency before April 1st 2018. This could be done by installing renewable technologies, improving insulations and adding energy efficient lighting.

Help to improve your home’s EPC rating

Eaton Electrical provides a range of electrical services including lighting and heating energy audits to identify energy wastage and recommending solutions that will improve EPC ratings. Landlords can get in touch with us by calling 01509 414222.