A free service has been launched which claims to assist landlords in navigating the challenges of meeting the new energy efficiency standards.
The government has already announced that for landlords to rent a property from 2030 that it must have an EPC C or better. Developed by the team behind Property Master, a digital buy to let mortgage brokerage, eco-Landlord is a pilot project supported by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) Green Home Finance Accelerator.
It will allow any landlord to check the current EPC on all their properties, have the likely accuracy of the current rating ratified by an AI driven tool, and help them create a retrofit plan for the building’s improvement.
It will also identify any potential grants that might be available, installers that operate in their area with the right skills, as well as mortgage and other finance options. Once the property has been upgraded, a new EPC will be assessed to confirm the success of the upgrades.
Angus Stewart, chief executive of eco-Landlord, says: “We understand that the new EPC regulations present a challenge for landlords, especially those managing multiple properties. By offering a comprehensive platform that consolidates everything from energy assessments to finding reliable installers and financing options, we aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.”
eco-Landlord claims that over the next few months, the service will be enhanced to allow any mortgage broker to refer their clients into the system and if a mortgage need is identified that lead will pass back to the referring broker. Other enhancements will be based on feedback from landlord users and installers and will also include new grants as they become available.
Stewart adds: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest shown in eco-Landlord we have had from installers, manufacturers, lenders and others involved in the drive to improve energy efficiency in properties who all recognise the benefits a simple one-stop solution can deliver. We continue to add new installers into the service and welcome approaches from suitably qualified companies that wish to join our panel.”