New EPC regulations came into effect on 1 April 2022.
The Scottish Government has informed the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) of an amendment to the minimum EPC regulations.
The “E” standard will be removed, and private rented properties must achieve an EPC rating of D by 31 March 2025. And an EPC rating of D must be achieved if there’s a change of tenancy from 1 April 2022, so landlords will have 1 year to comply from the date the regulations begin.
The regulations provide a few exemptions, such as:
- In an event where other owners within a block of flats don’t consent to work being carried out to common parts of the building. Or if tenants themselves do not consent for work to be carried out.
- If it’s not technically feasible to perform work.
- When the cost of work exceeds £10,000
- When permission to carry out improvements can’t be obtained with a listed property, or in a conservation area.
The new regulations mean that landlords will only be required to carry out improvements if the cost of purchasing and installing new equipment can be financed by a grant or loan from the Scottish government.
The Scottish Government has created the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan, interest-free for five or fewer properties, or with an interest rate of 3.5% for landlords managing larger portfolios.
These regulations will be enforced by local authorities, and fines can be issued to owners who fail to comply with the minimum standard or provide inaccurate information in regards to the exemptions register.
If you need assistance in improving your EPC rating, you can refer to SAL’s fact sheet here. However, this is not the ideal tool to ascertain what improvements your property needs to achieve the standard EPC rating.
Additional advice is required from an expert who will assess your property, providing you with detailed suggestions and reasons for improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Glasgow recognised as a global green city?
Glasgow is recognised as a global green city due to its strong commitment to sustainability, including large-scale investments in green transport, energy efficiency, and urban environmental improvements. The city was awarded Global Green City status in 2020 in recognition of progress across areas such as emissions reduction, public transport upgrades, and low-carbon urban planning.
How does public transport contribute to Glasgow’s green city status?
Public transport plays a key role through the introduction of ultra-low emission buses and the expansion of Low Emission Zones (LEZs). These measures help reduce air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and encourage a shift away from high-emission private vehicles, supporting the city’s wider sustainability goals.
What role do green spaces play in Glasgow’s sustainability efforts?
Glasgow has more than 90 parks and gardens, many of which are recognised with Green Flag status. These green spaces improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide health and wellbeing benefits for residents, contributing significantly to the city’s environmental performance.
How does energy efficiency in housing support Glasgow’s environmental goals?
Energy efficiency improvements in housing, including insulation upgrades and better building standards, help reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. Public funding has also supported energy efficiency schemes across the city, helping reduce fuel poverty while improving overall building performance.
What is Glasgow’s long-term sustainability target?
Glasgow’s long-term goal is to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030. This includes continued investment in low-carbon transport, energy-efficient buildings, green infrastructure, and wider climate action strategies aimed at reducing overall emissions across the city.