Landlord Today has just published an excellent article on methods to meet stricter EPC regulations.  It can be seen here, and in summary says:

Landlords Face Tougher Regulations as 2030 EPC Deadline Approaches

The proposed Decent Homes Standard, originally outlined in the government’s election manifesto, is set to come into force in 2030. The government is expected to introduce stricter regulations in the coming years, potentially requiring all rental properties to achieve an EPC rating of B by 2040.

With finer details yet to be confirmed, the proposed plans would make landlords responsible for ensuring their rental properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. Currently, some rental properties are only required to meet the standards set out by band E.

However, with over 60% of rental properties in England and Wales currently rated below C on the EPC scale, many landlords face a significant challenge in upgrading their properties before the deadline. Certain properties may be exempt from these new requirements, such as listed buildings, if renovations would alter their character or if upgrades exceed a defined cost cap.

Challenges and Costs of Compliance

EPC ratings are based on the cost of heating and powering a home. This means that installing options such as heat pumps may not always deliver the desired improvement in ratings. Due to the high cost of electricity needed to power these systems, they are most effective when combined with improved insulation to prevent heat loss.

The average cost of bringing a rental property up to a band C EPC rating, from the current E requirement, is estimated to be around £8,000. This presents a significant financial burden for landlords.

As a result of these high costs, many private landlords are being pushed out of the rental market. Failure to meet the proposed EPC ratings may result in fines of up to £5,000, or properties being deemed unrentable. Coupled with stricter regulations, higher taxes, and expanded tenant rights, property investment is becoming less viable. A recent survey from GoodLord found that 30% of landlords have sold or listed a rental property in the past year, with a further 17.4% considering reducing their portfolios in the coming year.

The Role of Home Insulation

Home insulation solutions could provide a cost-effective method for improving EPC ratings, reducing energy bills, and lowering CO2 emissions. Insulation can be fitted to solid walls, cavity walls, under floors, and as insulated plasterboard over existing plaster walls.

Nicholas Donnithorne, UK Technical Manager at Rentokil Property Care, highlights the potential benefits of home insulation for landlords:

• Improving EPC Ratings – Insulation is one of the most effective ways to increase a property’s EPC rating and can be a more affordable solution compared to alternative upgrades.
• Reducing Energy Bills – Insulation helps retain heat within a property, meaning tenants require less energy to maintain warmth.
• Environmental Benefits – Reduced energy usage results in a lower carbon footprint, making insulation an environmentally friendly choice.
• Increasing Property Value – A better EPC rating can enhance a property’s market value, making it easier to sell or rent.

Steps Landlords Can Take to Prepare

To get ahead of the proposed 2030 legislation, landlords can take several steps now to improve their properties and help tenants save on heating bills:

• Loft Insulation – According to the Energy Savings Trust, around 25% of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof. Adding loft insulation can significantly improve energy efficiency and increase EPC ratings.
• Insulating Plaster Systems – These systems reduce heat loss through solid walls and help maintain stable indoor temperatures without over-reliance on central heating.
• Underfloor Insulation – By insulating floors, landlords can reduce energy bills and improve comfort for tenants with warmer indoor conditions.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, proactive landlords who invest in insulation and energy efficiency improvements now will be better positioned to meet regulatory requirements, avoid penalties, and maintain successful rental portfolios.