Big Changes Coming to EPCs: Here's What Landlords, and us as Agents, Need to Know

Heads up, everyone!

A major shake-up to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system is just around the corner, set to kick in on 15th June 2025.

This isn't just a minor tweak; we're talking about RdSAP 10, the biggest update to how we assess energy in existing homes in over a decade!

The aim?

To make EPCs even more accurate, truly reflecting how properties are used, and helping us all make smarter choices about energy efficiency.

While we at Spotlight Homes are always in favour of improvements that make EPCs stronger and more valuable to both landlords and tenants, we've already heard from some Propertymark members about potentially higher costs for these more detailed assessments.

We are very lucky that our local assesors are so informed and so detailed in their approach already so the costs are not sky rocketing for our clients, unlike some.

So, What Exactly is RdSAP? Let's Break It Down!

You've heard us talk about EPCs, and now we're mentioning "RdSAP." So, what is this all about?

RdSAP stands for the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure. In simple terms, it's the official, simplified way we calculate the energy performance of existing homes to create those all-important Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Think of it like this: an energy assessor visits your property and collects specific information about how it's built and used.Instead of needing every single detail about every single material (which would be a huge task for older properties!), RdSAP uses some clever assumptions based on typical construction methods and how people live in their homes. This allows us to generate a clear rating of your property's energy efficiency.

Now, about the upcoming RdSAP 10 (due in June 2025): This is the latest evolution! It's designed to make things even better. It incorporates new data inputs, updates those assumptions, and makes some structural changes. Why? To ensure your EPC is an even truer reflection of your property's energy performance, bringing it much closer to reality and helping everyone make smarter decisions about energy-saving improvements.

In a nutshell, RdSAP is the engine behind your EPC, and RdSAP 10 is simply a more advanced, more accurate version of that engine!

Decoding RdSAP 10: What the Key Changes Mean for Your EPCs

We've talked about RdSAP 10 arriving on 15th June 2025 – but what exactly are the practical differences you'll see in energy assessments? This update is all about making EPCs more accurate and reflective of your property's true energy performance.

Here's a breakdown of the key changes our energy assessors will be looking for:

• More Detailed Data Collection: Get ready for a more thorough look at your property! Assessors will now be recording much more specific information, including:

  • Glazing: Not just that you have double-glazing, but the type of glazing and its current condition.
  • Heating System Specifics: They'll be looking for evidence like model numbers or manufacturer data to accurately assess the efficiency of your heating and hot water systems. This means less relying on general assumptions.
  • Smart Controls: Do you have smart thermostats or other intelligent heating controls? These will now be specifically noted as they can significantly impact energy use.
  • Proof of Improvements: If you've added insulation, replaced windows, or made other energy-saving upgrades, it's crucial to have documentation (like receipts, invoices, or guarantees) available. Without evidence, these improvements might not be fully reflected in the EPC score.

  
  

  The big takeaway here for landlords and agents? Having your property's documentation (boiler manuals, window certificates, insulation receipts etc.) readily available will become even more important for getting the most accurate EPC.

• Heating Systems Rated More Accurately: In the past, if an assessor couldn't verify details of a heating system, default assumptions were used, which sometimes meant the system's efficiency was underestimated. RdSAP 10 changes this significantly! There's now a clear hierarchy: actual evidence comes first. If no documentation can be provided, the system might be rated lower, which could impact your EPC score.

• Smarter Modelling of Floor Area and Insulation: The updated methodology includes refined ways to calculate your property's floor area and existing insulation levels. This means the EPC will give a much more precise picture of how well your home retains heat and how much energy it uses.

• Fairer Treatment for Flats and Mid-Terrace Properties: Good news for owners of flats and mid-terrace homes! Previously, default assumptions could sometimes put these property types at a disadvantage when it came to heat loss calculations. RdSAP 10 adjusts these calculations, which could potentially lead to improved EPC ratings for these properties.

These changes are all about providing a more realistic and detailed EPC, helping you and your tenants understand your property's energy efficiency better. 

So, What Do These EPC Changes Mean for You? (Hint: It's All About Being Prepared!)

With the RdSAP 10 update just days away on 15th June 2025, it's crucial to understand what this means for everyone involved in the property journey

For Landlords:

• Proactive Evidence is Key: This is the big one! You'll need to be much more proactive in both maintaining your properties and providing clear evidence of any energy efficiency improvements you've made.
• EPCs & Tenancies: Remember, EPCs are already a must-have for letting properties, and the minimum energy efficiency standards (currently EPC Band E in England and Wales) mean that an inaccurate or lower-than-expected rating could genuinely put a stop to a new tenancy.
• Your Paper Trail is Gold Dust: Going forward, accurate records and receipts will be absolutely critical. We're talking about documentation for things like:
  • Added insulation
  • Heating system upgrades (new boilers, smart controls)
  • Double glazing installation.
• Avoiding Unnecessary Costs: If no evidence is provided, even if improvements have been made, your EPC rating might initially drop. Having a clear paper trail can save you from unnecessary retrofit costs down the line by accurately reflecting your property's energy performance.

Remember what we always say...?

'If it's not written down, it doesn't exist!'

Well this is a perfect example of why we are so diligent with our record keeping!! 

In essence, these changes are about making EPCs more robust and reliable. For landlords and agents, it's another call to action to get your documentation in order.

For tenants and buyers, it's about having better information to make energy-savvy decisions.

We're continuing to push for crystal-clear guidance and solid support for both landlords and us as agents. Navigating these changes effectively means better communication from the government to everyone involved in the property sector.

If anyone reading this thinks it would be a good idea to have a bit of an 'MOT' on your rental property or portfolio you are welcome to call in to our office and have a proper chat about any concerns you may have. If you do not use an agent now, this is probably the right time to start.