LANDLORD call today and order your Letting EPC from your local Energy Assessor Inverness & Highland for any new tenants that are going to rent your properties and/or required to for Local Council Registration.
Energy Performance Certificates for Rented Dwellings in Scotland
Landlords here is the overview of the Proposals by the Scottish Government for Private Rentals, as published by Elmhurst Energy: July 2025 and November 2025
The Energy Efficiency Regulations for private rental properties in Scotland - Update
The Scottish Government has officially laid the new Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 in the Scottish Parliament, with the regulations confirmed to come into effect on 31st October 2026, as set out in the Government’s response to the EPC Reform consultation published in January 2025.
What Landlords Need to Know
The draft regulations outline a phased approach:
From April 2026: All new tenancies must meet EPC C.
From April 2028: All existing tenancies must meet EPC C.
Exemptions: Properties that are technically impractical or where improvements would cost more than a set cap may be eligible for exemptions.
This is looking likely to be set at £10,000 for Scotland (lower than the £15,000 cost cap proposed in England and Wales).
To support landlords, the government is proposing a package of financial assistance, including low-interest loans and targeted grants. However, concerns remain about the cost and viability of upgrades, particularly for older tenement buildings and rural properties.
Local authorities will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the new MEES regulations. Using data from the EPC register and PRS property lists to check compliance. Penalties for non- compliance could range from £600 to £3,000 depending on the breach.
We will contact you further with more information and guidance as and when it becomes available.
As ever, if there is anything we can help with please do not hesitate to contact us.
Scottish Properties
Owners of Scottish properties should be aware that there are new requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) which were introduced 01 October 2012.
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been a legal requirement in Scotland for all new tenancies from 4 January 2009. Existing tenancies do not require an EPC until they come up for re-let.
- In addition to showing an Energy Performance Certificate to a prospective purchaser or tenant, a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate must also be given to the incoming tenant of a property at the earliest opportunity preferable before viewing of the dwelling and must be produced to the tenant on demand, free of charge.
- Failure to provide an Energy Performance Certificate will result in a fine being imposed on the owner of the property which is subject to a residential rental agreement. The provision of EPCs is enforced by the Trading Standards department of the Local Authority.
- If they receive a complaint that an EPC has not been provided they can impose a £200 fixed penalty charge for each breach. In addition to paying the penalty notice, the landlord will still have to provide an Energy Performance Certificate to the tenant.
- All Energy Performance Certificates must contain a note of cost effective and technically feasible recommendations for improving a property’s energy efficiency. This information will be accompanied by a Report providing details of any recommendations.
Visit: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/
Support for Landlords Visit:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/businesses-organisations/landlords
January 2013
- A seller, or prospective landlord, will need to include the EPC rating for their property in any advertisement including newspaper, property schedules and internet advertising.
- Anyone who has obtained a valid Energy Performance Certificate before the changes on 01 October 2012 become effective will not require amending or renewing their Energy Performance Certificate.
- The original will remain valid for ten years, even though it does not comply with the new requirements.
- Any and all Energy Performance Certificates dated 01 October 2012 onward must comply with the new regulations to ensure they are in line with the relevant EU Directives.
All EPCs are registered as official documents with the Scottish EPC Register.
Further information: The Scottish Government Guidance for Private Landlords on the Provision of EPC(s) in Existing Dwellings:
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/your-rights-and-responsibilities
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