When are the government going to announce changes to the EPC regulations?

Last week there were murmurs among the press surrounding the new EPC regulations for rented properties. Conjecture is that the deadline for the private rented sector to meet the proposed new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards will be extended.

The original proposals were that landlords would have to ensure that all their rental properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of C, rather than the current minimum rating E.  For new tenancies this would come in effect from April 2025, with all existing tenancies having a deadline of April 2028.

With no word from the Government, for two years, on the viability of the original deadlines speculation has been growing that the dates would be extended with all landlords having until 2028 to increase the ratings where required, regardless of a new or existing tenancy.

Last week the Daily Telegraph claimed that this is now a done deal in Government, but as we write this there has still not been any official confirmation from the Government to substantiate this. We are keeping a close eye on official sources regarding an extension and as soon as we know, so will you.

In the meantime, if you own rental properties in Preston, Leyland, Chorley or the surrounding areas, we highly recommend you review your current EPCs to identify the properties that will require some improvement under the new regulations. Now is the time to start thinking about what you will need to improve and the likely cost of those improvements.

We have seen a definite increase in the importance of EPC ratings to tenants who are wary of renting properties that cost a fortune to heat. Remember that a property’s EPC rating is shown on the property marketing and therefore a poor EPC rating will likely detract potential tenants.