EPC Guidance

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) explain how energy efficient a property is and provide a rating from A, very efficient, to G, inefficient. It measures the cost of providing heat and power to the property, based on a set of assumptions on occupant behaviour.

The higher the cost to heat, the lower the EPC rating. Properties that don’t retain heat will therefore have a lower EPC rating than properties that are well insulated.

At the time of writing, February 2023, a landlord is required to have a current EPC (less than 10 years old) at the point of marketing a property for rent. This rating must be included in adverts and provided to a tenant before the date of entry.

Previous proposals by the Scottish Government to require a minimum EPC of D from 2022 were not taken forward due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the government now intends to introduce a requirement for all properties in the private rented sector to have an EPC rating of C from 2025 at the change of tenancy and from 2028 for all private rented sector properties. There may be exemptions available for properties where it is not possible or cost-effective to achieve that standard.

It would be prudent to start looking at your certificates now and not wait until 2025 or 2028 so costs can be planned over the next three to five years. The EPC will provide suggestions on ways to improve the energy efficiency of your property and a rough cost for each suggestion. This may include cavity wall insulation, double glazing, fitting an efficient boiler, or even some minor amendments such as fitting an insulating jacket to your hot water tank or replacing all light bulbs with LEDs.

Home Energy Scotland is a company funded by the Scottish

Government which can provide useful information on:

● funding options including Scottish Government grants and interest-free loans

● installing renewable energy at home

● saving energy and keeping warm at home

Home Energy Scotland can be contacted on 0808 808 2282 for advice and guidance.

EPC rules and regulations are subject to change so please contact me or one of my colleagues for the latest information and guidance. n

Marsaili Macleod 01463 224 343