EPC Ratings Explained – What Do They Mean?

As an Edinburgh landlord, the law requires you to supply tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that gives the property a rating from A to G. But what does an EPC rating mean, and why is it important?

With energy bills rising at an unprecedented rate, tenants are likely to start paying more attention to the EPC rating of rental properties and making decisions based on homes that are the most energy-efficient, so it’s important for landlords to understand their relevance and how they can achieve the highest possible rating.

Request an EPC inspection in Edinburgh

Before putting a property on the market for the first time, a landlord must instruct a qualified assessor to carry out an inspection and award a rating. The EPC is valid for 10 years, and ratings range from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).

As well as giving a rating, the certificate suggests cost-effective changes that you could make (such as triple-glazed windows and energy-efficient boilers) to improve the property’s energy efficiency.

Given the current climate, landlords may consider investing in improvements that give their properties a higher EPC rating to make them more attractive to tenants and meet new requirements being considered by the Scottish government.

Many tenants are interested in their home’s carbon footprint and greener fuel sources such as solar panels and heat source pumps, which can be a worthwhile long-term investment.

Finding An EPC Assessor in Edinburgh

All qualified assessors are entered on the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register, and landlords can use the official website to find an assessor in their area or retrieve an EPC document that has been mislaid using the property’s postcode, although the register holds only more recent records.

An EPC certificate must be prominently displayed at the property and included in all advertisements, so tenants know how much they’re likely to pay in heating bills and what the carbon dioxide emissions are.

Planned Legislation

Currently, all privately rented properties in Edinburgh must have an EPC rating of at least E.

The Government is currently consulting on introducing a C rating for new tenancies from 2025 and for all rentals from 2028 except where it is not feasible or cost-effective.

Landlords who do not comply with EPC requirements may face a fine and/or removal from the landlord register.

Impartial Advice

Home Energy Scotland is a government-funded advice service managed by the Energy Saving Trust that offers free and impartial advice and information about reducing energy bills, creating a more energy-efficient home, and accessing loans and grants.

As Edinburgh’s leading letting agent, Clan Gordon can also offer expert advice on Energy Performance Certificates, property renovations, and the benefit of greener options. To find out more, schedule a call and talk to one of our expert advisors.