Wandsworth Council has launched a crackdown on landlords whose properties don’t meet energy efficiency standards.

The London borough is targeting more than 550 privately rented properties rated EPC band F or G, which are currently unlawful to let under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Housing officers have contacted more than 150 landlords to begin compliance checks, issued five financial penalties, and reports that it has seen a marked increase in those taking action to improve their properties.

It’s one of only a few councils which bother to investigate those private landlords who can’t provide a valid EPC certificate. A Freedom of Information request by technology provider Reapit last year found that only 147 fines were issued between October 2008 and August 2024, and only by Liverpool, Bristol and Newham. Last year, Tewkesbury Council issued several fines against one landlord totalling £4,500 and asked tenants to report those who could be letting out energy inefficient properties rated F or G.

Impose

Local authorities can currently impose a maximum civil penalty of up to £5,000 per property, for breaching regulations for three months or more. However, all private rented properties will need to reach an EPC C by 2030 or face a £30,000 fine.

In Wandsworth, one property was originally let with a G‑rated EPC. After the council stepped in, managing agents installed roof insulation. Although the agents initially argued that improvements, such as installing a boiler, were the tenant’s responsibility, the council issued a £4,000 penalty for non‑compliance.

Maximum

Another property resulted in the maximum £5,000 penalty after the landlord failed to respond to a compliance notice and didn't complete the required works or register a valid exemption within the specified timeframe.

Aydin Dikerdem, cabinet member for housing, says: “By taking firm action against non‑compliant landlords, we’re not only improving living conditions for tenants but also helping to cut carbon emissions across the borough. This project shows what can be achieved when councils take a proactive, evidence‑led approach, and we will continue to hold landlords to account wherever standards fall short.”

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