BLB Solicitors
  • +01225 755656
  • enquiries@blbsolicitors.co.uk
BLB Solicitors
  • +01225 755656
  • enquiries@blbsolicitors.co.uk
  • Home
  • Services for You
    • Conveyancing Solicitors
    • Leasehold Solicitors
    • Property Dispute Solicitors
    • Divorce, Family Law and Mediation
    • Lifetime Planning and Wills
    • Probate and Estate Administration
    • Equity Release Solicitors
    • Retirement Property Conveyancing
    • Personal Injury Compensation
    • Medical Negligence Solicitors
  • Services for Business
    • Commercial Property
    • Commercial Property Disputes
    • Corporate & Commercial Legal Advice
    • Estate Management Solicitors
  • BLB Solicitors Locations
    • Almondsbury Solicitors
    • Bath Solicitors
    • Bristol Solicitors
    • Bradford on Avon Solicitors
    • Swindon Solicitors
    • Trowbridge Solicitors
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Working for BLB
    • BLB Solicitors – How we work
    • Making Payments to BLB Solicitors
    • Instructing BLB Solicitors
    • Terms of Business
    • Complaints Policy
    • Interest Policy
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Home » Government funding to improve energy efficiency in the private rental sector

Residential Landlord and Tenant
Toy houses sitting on EPC chart
Jun 16th, 2022

At BLB Solicitors, our goal is simple – to deliver you clear, practical legal advice and cost-effective solutions. We hope you enjoy exploring our Blog. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please do contact us.

Government funding to improve energy efficiency in the private rental sector

Contact our team on 01225 462871. Alternatively, you can complete the Contact Form at the foot of this page.

MEES Regulations

As we reported at the time, since 1st April 2020, unless an exemption applies, landlords have been prohibited from continuing to let privately rented residential property unless it has a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E. This is a result of The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (more commonly referred to as the “MEES Regulations”).

EPC rating

A property’s energy efficiency is graded between A and G. An A-rating is the most energy-efficient, and G the worst. As might be expected, new-build homes tend to have high EPC ratings, while many older homes have EPC ratings of D or E. The MEES Regulations mean that all landlords whose properties have an EPC rating of F or G risk a fine of up to £5,000 per property and per breach.

Government grants

Now, the Government has awarded grants totalling £4.3 million to 59 local authorities to support their efforts to track down and engage with the most elusive landlords with the worst-rated properties. The money will fund a host of innovative awareness-raising measures, including:

  • local radio adverts.
  • roadshows and workshops with landlords to raise awareness of the new rules.
  • free energy surveys.
  • enhanced and targeted mail reminders and translation services.

One local authority has earmarked funding for a drone with thermal imaging capacity to assist on the ground inspections.

Ways to improve EPC rating

Meeting these minimum EPC ratings can sometimes be as simple as installing thermostatic valves on radiators, changing light fittings to more energy-efficient bulbs, and insulating your hot water cylinder. However, more substantial improvements are sometimes required, such as installing or topping up loft insulation, fitting double glazing, installing cavity wall insulation, or sealing open chimneys.

Further changes

In recent months there have been stories circulating that from the end of 2025, all new rental properties will be required to have an EPC rating of not less than C. On the one hand, such a proposal does not form part of the Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings (No. 2) Bill currently making its way through Parliament. On the other, given the Government’s commitment at COP 26 to achieving net-zero by 2050, it seems very probable that their attention will turn to further improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector.

BLB Solicitors
Request a Call Back

Recent Articles

  • Do long term tenants have more rights?
  • The importance of landlords serving documents correctly
  • The zero-deposit option – words of caution for new tenants
  • Renters (Reform) Bill: bad news for tenants?
  • Can a tenant let out a property on Airbnb?

Newsletter Sign-up

* indicates required

Share this article

You may also like...
  • Jul 7th, 2022
    Rents rising at fastest rate ever
    Read Article
  • May 23rd, 2023
    Renters (Reform) Bill: bad news for tenants?
    Read Article
View All Related Articles
Get in-touch today
Contact Form

Left Column

Right Column

Centre

 
Sending
  • Bristol Solicitors

    0117 905 5308
  • Bath Solicitors

    01225 462871
  • Bradford on Avon Solicitors

    01225 866541
  • Swindon Solicitors

    01793 615011
  • Trowbridge Solicitors

    01225 755656
  • Almondsbury Solicitors

    0117 905 5308
Authorised & Regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority (No. 636644)
©2025 BLB Solicitors | Terms | Privacy | Legal