Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment changes have been much talked about recently, with large-scale changes planned by government which mean landlords may wish to have their properties re-evaluated.
In fact, some changes have already been implemented to the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP), which is the calculation model used to create an EPC rating.
The good news is that recent progress on EPC metrics is generally positive and will better reflect the reality of a property’s energy efficiency, however the changes will inevitably alter ratings, sometimes upwards and sometimes downward, bringing both risk and opportunity for landlords.
Current EPC regulation for landlords
The latest changes to the way EPC ratings are calculated is based on feedback to the previous version, and version 10 of the RdSAP takes into account newer technologies, for example heat pumps as well as improved modelling for heating and insulation.
The current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) requires properties to have an EPC rating of at least E in order to be legally let or be registered for an exemption.
What EPC changes mean for landlords
If one of your properties is in need of a new EPC because for example, the current one has expired and you intend to sell or let the property, an assessment will take place using the new procedure and the changes mean there could be a difference in the rating your property receives.
Properties which met the minimum standard EPC rating of E or above previously could now have a different rating, meaning you may need to be prepared to make alterations.
This is particularly true where heating systems are reliant on older gas boilers or electric storage heaters. Whereas landlords with homes with renewable energy systems or modern insulation may benefit.
Below are some of the potential winners and losers under RsSAP 10, followed by some tips to get the most out of the assessment should you need one.
9 EPC rating winners and losers in 2025
Electric-heated properties Will generate better ratings owing to cleaner grid electricity and are penalised less when compared with gas heating.- Heat pumps Are recognised for their efficiency and could move properties up a performance band.
- Renewable energy Like Solar Photovoltaic Cells (Solar PV), battery storage, as well as smart heating controls are rewarded.
- New-builds and well-insulated properties Could now generate higher ratings due to better and more detailed modelling highlighting benefits to performance of the building’s walls, windows or roof.
- LED lighting Is now positively factored into assessments.
Gas-heated properties Now score less favourably when compared with electric heating or heat pumps.- Poorly insulated homes Will score negatively for thermal performance and you will benefit by being able to evidence insulation exists or the airtightness of a building.
- Lack of paperwork Like glazing certificates, insulation warranties and boiler documents will default to conservative assumptions, reducing ratings.
- Properties with storage heaters Are recognised to have older electric heating without modern controls which score poorly, despite grid decarbonisation.
If you’d like to learn more about the savings you could make through energy improvements, take a look at the quick tips to save energy outlined by the Energy Saving Trust – here you’ll also be able to see how much money your property could potentially save.
Quick EPC wins for Landlords
Obviously you aren’t able to alter the way that an EPC is calculated, but there are things you can do to ensure your properties are represented in the best possible way when preparing for an assessment:
- Gather together any documentation; provide certificates, invoices, or warranties for things like insulation, glazing, heating upgrades, and renewables. Without evidence, assessors could default to a set of assumptions that understate the property’s performance.
- Make sure an assessor is able to access all areas of your property by ensuring lofts, basements and any meter and boiler cupboards are clear and accessible. If assessors cannot see or test, they might record “unknown,” which could lower your scores.
- Highlight the improvements that have been made that might be less visible, for example, things like underfloor insulation, pipe lagging, or smart heating controls, could be missed, and all of this helps maximise the score.
- Check the property’s light bulbs. Assessors will still check lightbulbs and so it pays to perform a quick check that high-energy lighting isn’t responsible for missing out on precious points.
If you’re looking for more information on EPC wins, you may benefit by reading the cost of increasing your EPC rating to C which, along with some of the changes that will be in enforced by 2030, uncovers the expected costs of property retrofit. It also includes more guidance on how to increase your EPC rating which may be an interesting read if you are planning on selling or letting a property soon.
Changes to MEES as well as a further EPC reform are on the horizon for 2026 and these will impact landlords in different ways depending on the shape and size of your property portfolio. Those who prepare well and maintain documentation, and who invest well in energy efficiency measures will be best positioned to manage regulatory risk, protect asset value, as well as meet growing tenant expectations.
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