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A snapshot investigation by Which? has revealed that landlords are being given Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) riddled with inaccuracies along with unhelpful advice from energy assessors who suggest costly improvements with long pay back periods.
Although private rentals must only achieve an EPC band E, Labour is likely to revise this and, in its manifesto, promised that they will have to meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.
Which? has urged the next government to reform EPCs after its study showed that of 12 random properties, one homeowner had a survey done but never received their certificate. Of the remaining 11, only one was ‘very satisfied’ with their EPC and only three were likely to recommend getting an EPC. #
Eight told Which? their rating did not appear to be accurate as descriptions of key aspects of their home such as the windows, roofs and heating systems were wrong. Several felt that the recommendations suggested were unaffordable.
Which? believes many EPCs don’t provide an accurate assessment of a home’s energy efficiency. It says the metrics used are confusing for consumers and that more information is needed to support them in the decisions they need to make.
The consumer group suggests using apps and online services to make them more accessible and useful to consumers and believes there should be higher standards among assessors along with an improved auditing and complaints process.
Timothy Douglas (pictured) , head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, says EPCs could be better utilised through the introduction of a property passport to increase the uptake of energy efficiency improvements. “This would enable information to be transferable across building owners and help maintain a long-term decarbonisation goal for the building,” he adds.
However, some in the PRS have used EPCs positively to improve their property’s energy efficiency, as landlord James Tanner proved; he raised the rating of his five-bedroom Edwardian terraced house from a band F to an A following a ‘big green upgrade’ as part of a £150,000 renovation.
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