EPC Update for Rental Homes

Landlords should be aware that the Scottish Government intend to introduce a minimum EPC requirement for the residential rental homes.

Initial proposals were announced in 2021 which included a requirement for homes to have a EPC rating of C (at least) for new listings or; at change of tenancy, coming into regulation from 2025.

SAL recently reported to members that there have been further discussions with the government that indicated these proposals are being reconsidered. SAL noted that these standards may not be introduced until after 2025.

As Ballantynes understands it, the government intend to publish a consultation on a Heat in Buildings Bill later this year, and that consultation will set out further proposals relating to residential rental homes. We will continue to update as and when we find out more information.

If you would like to discuss this or any rental related matter, please contact Ballantynes on 0131 459 2222 | edinburgh@ballantynes.uk.com for Edinburgh, Lothians, Borders, Fife and West of Scotland or; 01738 441 825 | perth@ballantynes.uk.com for Perthshire, Dundee and North of Scotland

For existing landlords of Ballantynes, our team will be in touch to advise on this matter along with the new factsheet on lead testing as part of the updated Repairing Standard that states all landlords must ensure that (from 1 March 2024) the water supply in their private rented properties is free of lead.