{"id":37565,"date":"2025-09-10T08:39:33","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T08:39:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citylets.co.uk\/blog\/?p=37565"},"modified":"2025-09-10T08:39:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T08:39:34","slug":"new-energy-efficiency-standards-proposals-in-scotland-landlord-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citylets.co.uk\/blog\/new-energy-efficiency-standards-proposals-in-scotland-landlord-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"New Energy Efficiency Standards Proposals in Scotland – Landlord Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Scottish Government has proposed new minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented homes, in a significant development for the private rental sector \u2013 as a landlord, you need to understand what this would mean for you and your properties.<\/p>\n

This guide will outline why new minimum energy efficiency standards for the Scottish Private Rented Sector (PRS) are being proposed and what they are, planned changes to Energy Performance Certificates, and the Scottish Government\u2019s timeline for compliance.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll then look at practical measures that landlords can take now, to aid your financial planning and ensuring future compliance.<\/p>\n

Why is the Scottish Government introducing new minimum energy efficiency standards in the PRS?<\/h2>\n

The Scottish Government has committed to reducing our contribution to global emissions in the fight against climate change, aiming to reach net zero by 2045. It has also committed to reducing fuel poverty; homes which are more energy efficient require less energy to heat, potentially reducing fuel bills.<\/p>\n

The Scottish PRS has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the country, in corelation with having the highest proportion of the lowest energy efficient properties in Scotland. Overall, Scotland\u2019s homes and workplaces account for about 19% of Scotland\u2019s total emissions<\/a>, so reducing emissions from our buildings is one of the most important actions we can take to prevent further climate change.<\/p>\n

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What are the proposed changes to Energy Performance Certificates?<\/h2>\n

The proposed minimum energy efficiency standards aim to improve the energy performance of Scotland’s housing stock, with ratings measured by a revised Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).<\/p>\n

These new EPCs are due to come into force in 2026, and will have three headline ratings<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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  1. Heat Retention Rating (HRR)<\/strong> \u2013 this will demonstrate the performance of the building\u2019s fabric (i.e. how well the building retains heat due to insulation and other factors).<\/li>\n
  2. Energy Cost Rating (ECR)<\/strong> \u2013 which will be similar to the current \u2018Energy Efficiency Rating\u2019 displayed on existing\u00a0EPCs, and could change as a result of the potential improvement options.<\/li>\n
  3. Heating System Rating\u00a0(HSR)<\/strong>\u2013 which will show whether the installed heating system is polluting, hybrid or clean, and its emissions and efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What are the proposed new minimum energy efficiency standards for landlords in Scotland?<\/h2>\n

    The proposed minimum standards will require all privately rented properties to achieve a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) heat retention rating (HRR) of C, wherever practical. This is a crucial metric for reducing energy waste and lowering heating costs for your tenants.<\/p>\n

    Proposed timeline for compliance<\/strong><\/p>\n