Energy efficiency

Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in England and Wales in 2007. These certificates rate a property's energy efficiency on a scale of A-G. You are required to have one if you plan to market a property for sale or let in most circumstances.

Since April 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have made it a legal requirement for all privately rented properties to have an EPC rating of at least an 'E' before they are let. As of April 2020, this requirement has now been extended to tenancies that existed prior to April 2018.

If a property does not require an EPC then it does not have to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. For listed buildings and those in conservation areas, this exemption status is crucial, as many of these properties will be incapable of reaching that level due to the nature of the building. Unfortunately, not all listed buildings will be exempt from the requirements.

With energy costs set to rise by £96 on average in 2021, many landlords and tenants will be looking to change energy suppliers in the next year. Many of them will be looking to install smart meters for the first time. 

This guide discusses smart meters, who is responsible for paying utilities, how much landlords can charge for energy bills and whether or not tenants can change suppliers without the landlord's permission.

In April 2002 the Government introduced legislation designed to conserve heat loss in private houses. They require all windows and doors in newly built houses; and complete replacement windows and doors in old housing stock to be double-glazed using a low emissivity glass.