Energy Performance

Supporting information for Scottish Landlord Registration

Key points

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). EPCs let the person who will use the building know how costly it will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be.

The EPC will also state what the energy-efficiency rating could be if recommended improvements are carried out and highlights cost-effective ways to achieve a better rating.

  • Landlords must instruct an energy assessor to provide an EPC prior to marketing a rental property for the first time.
  • An EPC is valid for 10 years from when issued and so it is not necessary to update this at any change of tenancy until the certificate reaches its expiry date.
  • The EPCs must be displayed in the property and the energy performance rating must be included in all advertisements for a vacant property.You can find information on being a landlord in Scotland on the mygov.scot website.

Further Context

Property let to a new tenant have required an EPC since 4 January 2009 the original legislation is updated with 

 

New EPC proposals announced

The Scottish Government has announced updated proposals for introducing a minimum EPC standard in the private rented sector (PRS). Previous proposals to require a standard of D from 2022 will now not be taken forward in recognition of the significant impact on the sector caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, the government intends to introduce a requirement for PRS properties to have an EPC rating of C at change of tenancy from 2025. All PRS properties will then be required to reach a minimum standard of C by 2028. Exemptions will be available for properties where it is not technically feasible or cost effective to reach that standard.

The government intends to consult during 2022 on requiring all properties in Scotland, regardless of tenure, to meet an EPC standard of C, together with a proposed all-tenure zero emissions heat standard and any legislation needed to underpin this.

If you are concerned – The Energy Saving Trust in Scotland is part of a UK-wide non-profit organisation providing impartial information and advice. Landlords should use this site https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/programme/home-energy-scotland/ to find information relating to potential energy efficiency measure for their rental properties.

It manages five advice centres in Scotland specifically designed to help consumers take action to save energy. The Home Energy Scotland advice centres aim to reach 250,000 people every year.

The Energy Saving Trust’s work in Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and can be contacted free on 0808 808 2282 to speak to one of the advisors in your local Home Energy Scotland advice centre.

 

Maximise your Success as a Landlord

LAS run a regular programme of training courses helping landlords adopt best practice and remain updated with changes to legislation. Anyone involved in letting property in the private rented sector in Scotland is welcome to attend. You do not need to be accredited.

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