Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

What are energy performance certificates?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides an official assessment of how energy efficient your home is.  This assessment is carried out by an accredited energy assessor and lodged on the Scottish EPC Register.

The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008 set out the regulationsrela ted to EPCs.

What is an EPC used for?

An EPC helps you understand how energy efficient  your home is how much it may cost to run.  It:

  • rates a property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient);
  • shows the estimated cost of heating and lighting your home;
  • gives information on carbon (CO₂) emissions; and  
  • is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. That means that you do not need to get
    a new one unless you have carried out major works which could impact the energy-efficiency of your home.

It also includes:

  • recommended improvements to increase energy efficiency; and
  • an indication of what your home’s rating could be if improvements are made.

Energy efficiency is one of the factors used in our Rent Setting Policy to calculate rent.

What does the EPC assessment consider?

The EPC is produced using a calculation methodology that is approved for use in Scotland by Scottish Ministers.  This is currently under review.

The EPC assessment records specific information about a building.  This includes:

  • its size and layout;
  • how it has been constructed; and
  • the way it is insulated, heated, ventilated, and lighted.

When will I get the EPC for my home?

We will give you a copy of your EPC:

  • when you move into your home; and
  • after it has been reviewed.

Understanding your EPC

Your EPC is divided into sections to help you understand your home’s energy performance:

  • energy efficiency rating (A – G): this tells you how efficient your home is;
  • estimated energy costs: this gives an idea of typical heating, lighting, and hot water costs;
  • environmental impact rating: this shows your home's carbon footprint; and  recommendations: this suggests improvements such as insulation, heating upgrades, or renewable energy options.

Even as a tenant, there may be smaller actions you can take.  For example:

  • using energy-efficient light bulbs;
  • managing heating controls efficiently; and
  • reducing unnecessary energy use.

What if I don’t agree with my EPC rating?

If you think your EPC rating is not correct:

  • check the details on your certificate (e.g. property size, heating type);
  • tell us about your concerns:

  • if needed, the EPC may be reviewed or reassessed by a qualified assessor.

We will investigate any concerns and advise you on next steps.

How does my EPC affect my rent?

Rent Calculation

Your rent is calculated using a points-based system, which includes:

  • property size (number of bedrooms);
  • property type (e.g. house or flat, detached or semi-detached, bungalow etc.);
  • energy efficiency (based on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating);
  • parking;
  • additional toilet;  
  • garden (private or shared); and
  • sheltered housing.

Discounts and reassessments

In line with our Rent Setting Policy:

  • homes with lower EPC ratings may get a rent discount;  
  • if energy efficiency improvements are made (for example, new heating or insulation), your EPC rating may increase;
  • this could mean that the discount is removed and your rent may increase to reflect the energy efficiency improvements to your home;   
  • we will give you at least 28 days’ written notice before any increase is applied.

Bill savings

Although your rent may increase following energy efficiency improvements:

  • your home should be cheaper to heat and run; and  
  • you may benefit from lower energy bills overall.

More information:

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