More must be done to help landlords with Energy Performance of properties report finds

A new report suggests “more must be done” to assist the buy to let property sector ahead of the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates.

The Shawbrook Bank report outlined how some buy to let property owners will struggle to bring their assets into line with new energy performance legislation.

The UK Government introduced the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) in 2015. It requires landlords to hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of C or above. Under the changes all newly rented, built or sold properties will need a certificate by 2025.

The EPC scheme will be extended to all rental properties by 2028.

Shawbrook’s report, Confronting the EPC challenge, suggested that owners of older properties may struggle to bring them into line with the new legislative framework thus preventing them from letting the property.

Emma Cox Sales Director at Shawbrook Bank said: “There are also landlords with a significant number of period properties who may be faced with homes that are never able to reach an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above.”

The report found that a significant proportion of housing stock, 36%, registered on the private rental sector, was built pre-1940.

Ms. Cox said: “We cannot simply write off this housing stock – especially when the market is already experiencing a severe supply shortage.”

The report identified: "a clear lack of knowledge and understanding over how EPC changes will impact landlords individually and how much the necessary works will cost to carry out.

"More needs to be done to help those in the sector."