Staying Ahead of the Curve: 5 Smart Ways Brighton Landlords Can Stay Compliant with EPC Changes

9th April 2025

Energy efficiency has become a central focus for UK landlords. And in Brighton with our mix of Victorian terraces, seaside flats, and student HMOs, staying compliant with EPC rules isn’t just a legal requirement… it’s smart property management.

With the government pushing for tighter minimum energy standards, and tenants increasingly asking about bills and sustainability, it’s time to make sure your rental property isn’t falling behind.

Here’s how Brighton landlords can stay compliant, avoid fines, and even boost tenant appeal.

1. Know the (Changing) Rules

Currently, the legal minimum EPC rating for privately rented homes is E but that’s likely to change.

Government proposals are pushing for a minimum rating of C for all new tenancies as early as 2025, with all existing tenancies to follow by 2030. While there’s been some back and forth on timelines, the message is clear: improving energy performance is no longer optional.

If your property is rated D or E, now’s the time to act. Local authorities, including Brighton & Hove, are already cracking down. Especially in areas with high rental density like Kemptown and Hanover.

2. Get a Proper EPC Assessment (Not Just the Report)

An EPC report gives you a rating but if it’s from five or ten years ago, it may no longer reflect your property’s condition. Worse, it might not be helpful when deciding where to improve.

Book a new EPC with a qualified domestic energy assessor who can walk you through the numbers. In Brighton, where older stock dominates, many properties are just one or two small fixes away from a much better rating.

Ask for advice on:

• Which improvements would offer the biggest point jump

• Where you’re losing the most energy (roof, windows?)

• What funding might be available

A smart thermostat doesn’t just boost your EPC rating, it helps tenants control energy use, lower bills, and feel more in control of their home.

3. Focus on Quick Wins for Older Properties

In much of central Brighton properties weren’t built for insulation. But not every improvement has to be expensive.

Here are a few changes that typically offer strong EPC gains with minimal disruption:

• Installing or upgrading loft insulation

• Switching to LED lighting throughout the property

• Draught-proofing doors and sash windows

• Adding reflective panels behind radiators

• Upgrading the heating controls (thermostats, timers, smart systems)

If you rent to students or sharers in older HMOs, these small upgrades not only improve your rating – they reduce tenant complaints about cold rooms and high bills.

4. Understand What Tenants Want

Many Brighton tenants actively check the EPC before booking a viewing, especially in colder months or with rising energy prices.

If your EPC is a D or below, they’ll assume the heating’s expensive or the house is damp. Even if that’s not true, perception matters.

Tenants today are looking for:

• Lower running costs

• A feeling of warmth and comfort

• A landlord who cares about the quality of the home

Being able to say “We’ve just improved the EPC with new insulation and smart heating controls” builds trust and can help justify slightly higher rent.

5. Keep Records and Future-Proof Now

Even if your property is currently compliant, keep a folder with:

• Your EPC certificate (must be valid within 10 years)

• Receipts and invoices for any energy upgrades

• Installer credentials for insulation, boilers, windows, etc.

This makes future compliance checks easier and can smooth the path for re-mortgaging, selling, or re-letting.

If the rules shift to a C rating (as expected), you’ll be ready and may even benefit from being ahead of the curve, especially when demand spikes for energy-efficient homes.

All in all…

Brighton’s mix of older homes, student lets, and coastal weather makes EPC upgrades a bit more nuanced  but not impossible. The key is to start now, target smart improvements, and keep your paperwork in order.

Whether you manage one flat in Hove or multiple HMOs across Lewes Road, staying compliant with energy rules is one of the best things you can do; not just to avoid fines, but to protect your investment, attract better tenants, and future-proof your property.

Need help reviewing your EPC or deciding what to tackle first? We’re happy to advise! No pressure, just practical guidance for Brighton landlords.

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