Private rented homes could be subject to a Minimum Energy
Efficiency Standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle
fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate
change.
Under proposals published today, regulations would be brought
forward under existing powers requiring privately rented
properties, as far as possible, to reach the reformed EPC Heat
Retention Rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by
2033 for all privately rented homes.
In 2022 there were 300,000 privately rented properties in
Scotland. The regulations would prohibit the letting of
properties which fall below the minimum standard of energy
efficiency, until the landlord has made any relevant energy
efficiency improvements.
The current system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is
due to be revised and updated from 2026 with a new set of ratings
to give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a
property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its
heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.
, Acting Minister for Climate
Action said:
“It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net
zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency
is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that
enables this dual progress.
“The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher
energy efficiency standards. A majority of privately rented
properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency,
based on the current EPC regime, but others still need
improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.
“These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs
for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which
we will be further strengthening through the Heat in Buildings
Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year.
Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures
will also benefit people's health, by reducing the risk of cold
and dampness-related conditions.
“The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of
support to people and organisations looking to move to clean
heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private
landlords.”
Exemptions are proposed to provide protection to landlords in
situations where they are prevented from obtaining third party
consent or permissions to carry out work; and where undertaking
work could have a negative impact on the fabric or structure of
the property.
Previous proposals to regulate energy efficiency for the private
rented sector were put forward in 2020 but withdrawn as a
consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Background
Also published today are proposals for a Heat and Energy
Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment, which could support
consumers by providing further evidence, beyond the EPC system,
of which energy efficiency or clean heating system measures are
technically suitable for their home or building, and which may
not be. This optional assessment would support in particular
those in buildings which are more complex to decarbonise such as
tenements, traditional and protected buildings.
Consultation on Draft Energy
Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland)
Regulations
Heat & Energy Efficiency
Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA) – Scoping
Consultation
Private Rented Sector Landlord
Loan Scheme
Warmer Homes Scotland
Energy efficiency: Area
Based Schemes
Withdrawn regulations: The
Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland)
Regulations 2020
