Date Published 05 June 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has brought major changes for landlords in England. Most of the attention has been on the end of Section 21, changes to tenancy rules and new restrictions around rent increases and property marketing. However, one of the biggest issues for landlords going forward will be compliance. Landlords are now expected to keep better records, understand their legal responsibilities and prove that their properties meet the required standards. This includes energy efficiency.
That is why landlords should take a fresh look at their Energy Performance Certificate, known as an EPC. An EPC should not just be treated as a document needed to let a property. It can help landlords understand:
• how energy efficient the property is;
• what improvements may be needed;
• what evidence is missing;
• what work could help future-proof the property.
The EPC rating is important, but it is not the full story. The assessment can also show where improvements have been assumed, what has been properly evidenced and what risks may need attention in future. Here are five simple questions every landlord should ask their energy assessor.
1. What evidence should I provide before the visit?
Some improvements may not be obvious during the assessment. For example, a landlord may have installed insulation, upgraded heating, fitted better glazing or added heating controls. If the assessor cannot see or verify the work, they may have to use default assumptions. This could lead to a lower EPC rating. Before the visit, landlords should try to provide invoices, guarantees, product details, photographs or certificates for any energy-related improvements.
2. What improvements should I prioritise?
An EPC gives a snapshot of the property, but landlords should also think ahead. The assessor may be able to explain which recommendations are most useful and which may need further specialist advice. The cheapest improvement is not always the best one. Some works may improve the EPC rating, while others may be better for reducing bills, improving tenant comfort or protecting the property long term.
3. What could you not verify during the visit?
This is an important question. If the assessor cannot confirm certain features, such as insulation or heating controls, the EPC may be based on assumptions. Landlords should understand what has not been verified, how this affects the rating and what evidence may be needed in future.
4. Which recommendations will make the biggest difference?
Not every EPC recommendation has the same impact. Some improvements may help raise the EPC rating. Others may mainly improve comfort or reduce energy use. Landlords should understand the difference before spending money. It may also make sense to plan energy improvements alongside repairs, refurbishments or void periods.
5. What records should I keep?
Good record keeping is becoming increasingly important. Landlords should keep copies of:
• EPCs;
• assessor recommendations;
• invoices and receipts;
• product information;
• guarantees and warranties;
• photographs of works;
• any evidence supporting the EPC rating.
These records may help landlords show what work has been done and support their compliance position in future.
The private rented sector is becoming more evidence-led. Compliance is no longer just about having the right certificate. Landlords need to be able to show what condition the property is in, what work has been carried out and what plans are in place. EPCs are an important part of that. By asking the right questions, landlords can get more from an EPC assessment and make better decisions about their property. Preparation is key — and it should start before the assessor arrives.
At Adams Estates, we will continue to support our fully managed landlords by monitoring EPC expiry dates and helping to ensure certificates remain valid and in date. Where a new EPC assessment is required, our team can arrange this on your behalf and help keep the process straightforward. We will also continue to keep our landlord clients informed of any future changes to EPC requirements, energy efficiency rules and wider compliance obligations affecting the private rented sector.
