New EPC rules in Scotland will worsen the housing crisis and force people to spend longer in emergency homeless accommodation, the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) has warned.
Ministers are considering imposing minimum energy efficiency standards that would mean rental properties would need to reach an EPC band C - in new tenancies from 2028 and all homes in the PRS by 2033.
However, SAL fears these restrictions will deter investors, resulting in more landlords leaving the sector, while only lowering the country’s emissions by 0.04%.
It fears the proposals will cause extended void periods when properties are put through expensive and lengthy periods of work, meaning that tenants must spend more time in emergency homeless accommodation.
Landlords are also worried they won’t have enough time to prepare, as the reports used to assess properties will not be available until Autumn 2026.
More detailed technical reports to assess options for improving properties won’t be available until 2028, giving landlords no time to arrange work in time for the 1st April 2028 implementation date.
Chief Executive John Blackwood (pictured) believes the measures are expensive, bureaucratic, and send the wrong signals to investors.
“With the lack of technical reports to assess options and the clock ticking down to the deadline, landlords will have no time to arrange works to be done,” he adds. “Scotland’s landlords are urging ministers to rethink these dangerous proposals and to work with us to encourage investment and confidence in our sector.”
Funding for landlords in Scotland to upgrade their properties includes access to low or zero-interest loans of up to £38,000 per property or £100,000 for those with up to five properties.
Rented homes with an EPC of band E, F or G can access grant funding for certain upgrades such as wall and loft insulation and heating systems via the ECO4 grant system, particularly if their tenants receive benefits.
The consultation deadline is 29th August.
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