Only 38% of landlords know that having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their property is a legal requirement according to a report by the Mortgage Works.

The survey also found that 30% of landlords believe that the minimum energy rating required is A or B, higher than the required rating of C, and that 28% of landlords with EPC-D rated property plan to sell. Whilst 73% are unsure of how much money is needed to improve their property, 37% of landlords indicate they will need to raise rents, either before or after, to cover the cost of upgrading their property.

The report stated: “The majority of landlords are keen to wait before initiating any works on their properties. 54% articulate they will wait for Government consultations to conclude or for the outcomes to be passed into law.

“This increases significantly for landlords owning properties with an EPC of E or below, with 63% waiting for consultation conclusion or law, versus 53% of those with a D rated property.”

17% of landlords would need to evict tenants to complete any works to bring their property up to the required standards to meet the energy efficiency standards.