Information for landlords

Warm homes are cheaper to heat and more attractive to tenants and buyers, so good insulation and sufficient affordable heating will mean tenants are happier and more likely to stay. Maintenance costs are higher in cold homes, with un-insulated walls, where damp and condensation can cause mould growth and damage to the building structure, particularly walls and window frames. Homes with damp and condensation can put tenants’ health at risk. Making energy efficiency improvements, then, has multiple advantages. 

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations have seen the minimum EPC rating of all rental properties be set at E, with this increasing to C in the coming years. There are incentives, potential sources of support, and ways to fund energy efficiency improvements without full upfront payment to ensure landlords are able to achieve this.

Some renewable technologies can even generate income. Further details are described on this page.

Requirements for landlords

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Landlords are required to have an EPC for a rented property and to make this available to tenants. To find an accredited person to undertake an Energy Performance Certificate, or to check that an individual is accredited, go to the Domestic Energy Performance Certificate Register.

An EPC gives information about a property’s energy use and environmental impact, with recommendations on how to cost effectively improve its energy efficiency and save money. It will give the property a rating on a scale from A (best) to G (worst) including an energy efficiency (SAP) rating on a scale of 1 (worst) to 100 (best). They are valid for 10 years. EPCs allow prospective tenants to compare the likely running costs of rental properties. More information is available on GOV.UK.

Minimum legal standards

Since April 2018, following The Energy Act of 2011, it is unlawful to rent a property that does not achieve an EPC rating of E and above. This means that properties with EPC ratings of G and F are unable to be rented out to tenants. With more detailed plans to come from central government, it is likely that, going forward, this minimum EPC rating will be raised from an E to a C. This means that landlords need to consider improving the energy efficiency of their buildings/properties now or they will be unable to let them out when this comes into force. 

Since 2016, tenants are legally allowed to demand reasonable energy efficiency improvements to their homes.

More information is available on GOV.UK.

Incentives for landlord

Grants for eligible tenants

Landlords can agree to certain grants to heat or insulate their properties where their tenants are eligible, subject to landlords' permission. 

Renewable energy

Installation of certain renewable electricity or heating technologies can generate some income, as well as improving the energy rating and reducing the running costs of the property. 

Empty property grants

Discretionary grants are offered by the council to help make empty properties suitable for renting. Among the allowable works is thermal upgrading, which could include windows, boiler work and insulation. For more information go to our empty property grants page or contact the empty property team, email EmptyPropertiesTeam@ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 6229 or 9482.

Repairs

Information on landlord/tenant responsibilities regarding repairs in private housing and possible repairs grants.