The current rules, requiring a property to have an EPC rating of E or above have not changed. The Government is proposing to change the rules to mean that all rental properties have an EPC rating of C or above by 2025 (or 2028 for existing tenancies)

Smart meters can help improve energy efficiency and help tenants keep track of energy costs, but they do not directly contribute to an improved EPC rating. However, they do facilitate better use of energy and can contribute in that way.

Yes, triple glazing will improve EPC rating. Newly installed double glazing will also improve EPC rating and in most cases the additional cost of triple glazing will not be worth the additional expenditure.

Yes installing solar panels can have a positive effect on EPC ratings, improving the scoring by up to 15 points, however, the exact improvement would depend on the size and type of system installed.

Yes in most cases, however if your property has a rating below E, you may be required to make improvements prior to closing a buy to let mortgage application. As it is now law that rental properties must have a rating of E or above you may be refused a buy to let mortgage.

The actual amount will vary depending on the property characteristics, including the loft area any existing insulation and heating type. You can expect an improvement of between 2 – 15 points.

Yes you can challenge an EPC rating, normally you would start by discussing any issues with the EPC assessor (and/or their company) and then escalating any un-resolved issues with the relevant accreditation body. You should be able to find details of the accreditation body on the EPC certificate.

There are two issues with EPC ratings. Mistakes are quite often made which can result in inaccuracies, with one piece of research showing that one in four were incorrect. Secondly they are not particularly helpful at predicting actual energy usage in properties.

Yes, currently there is no restriction on selling a property with an EPC rating of F or below.

In the majority of cases, you will ned need an EPC for your HMO. However, there are some instances when you will do and the regulations are changing in this area. Read our blog page for the latest on this.

PAS 2030 is a certificate that certain businesses can get that demonstrates that their installations meet the required specifications. It is part of the PAS 2035 framework aimed at ensuring best practice in energy retrofit measures.

PAS 2035 is a framework for the application of energy-efficient measures. The framework has been introduced to address previous problems with retrofitting properties for energy efficiency where the lack of coherent standards produced variable results.

There are currently a few circumstances when you will not need to meet the minimum EPC standards. You will not need to spend more than £3,500 for example. So if you have spent that amount but your property does not achieve grade E you will be exempt. You can find out more on our blog.