Energy Efficiency in Rented Property

​

The planned Energy Performance Regulation that would have required all let properties to obtain and EPC rating of C for a change of tenancy by 2025 is now no longer going ahead. 

​

Instead The Scottish Government will work with the private rented sector to introduce minimum standard regulations. They propose that by the end of 2028, private landlords will need to meet new minimum energy efficiency standards by installing a list of straightforward improvements, where appropriate. The current proposed list includes:

​

• 270 mm loft insulation

• cavity wall insulation

• draught-proofing

• heating controls

• 80 mm hot water cylinder insulation

• suspended floor insulation.

​

These improvements may be subject to change once the consultation is completed. The final list of improvements will be developed to prioritise those that could have the biggest impact for homes with the lowest amount of cost and disruption.

​

Lastly, it is proposed that all building owners will need to end their use of polluting heating; this includes heating systems which burn fossil fuels like gas, oil and LPG boilers by 2045. These will need to be replaced with clean heating systems - those that don’t produce any greenhouse gas emissions at the point of use. Examples of clean heating systems may include heat pumps, modern electric storage heaters and district heating, though this is not an exhaustive list.

 

Details of proposed exemptions

​

The latest Heat in Buildings Bill consultation does not outline specific exemptions. However, for fairness, the consultation proposes that those who cannot or should not have to meet the Heat in Buildings Standard will be exempt ahead of 2045. Furthermore, it states it will provide extra time for those who need it to meet the Standard or require that people comply with a modified version of the Standard which considers their building’s characteristics or unique circumstances. Lastly, it states that it will make it easy for people to appeal where they feel the requirements are incorrect or unfair.