EPC in Lambeth

Since April 2020, all privately rented domestic properties in England and Wales must have an EPC rating of at least E before a landlord can grant a new tenancy or renew an existing one. There are limited exemptions, such as where all cost-effective improvements have already been made (the 'all improvements made' exemption) or where the cost of improvements exceeds the cap. Exemptions must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register and last for five years.

The main factors are wall insulation, loft insulation, floor insulation, window glazing type, boiler efficiency and heating controls, hot water system, lighting, and any renewable energy sources such as solar panels. The age and construction type of the building set the baseline, while upgrades to insulation and heating are the most effective ways to improve the score.

The most cost-effective measures are usually loft insulation (can improve the rating by up to 10 points), cavity wall insulation, upgrading to a condensing boiler with a programmer and room thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and draught-proofing. For properties with solid walls, external or internal wall insulation gives the biggest single improvement but is more expensive. The EPC report itself lists recommended measures with estimated costs and savings.

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it is lodged on the register. You do not need to renew it within that period unless you carry out improvements and want the better rating reflected for marketing purposes. However, if you are letting a property and the current EPC shows a rating below E, you will need to make improvements and commission a new EPC to demonstrate compliance.

No. An EPC is only required when a property is built, sold, or rented out. Owner-occupiers who are not selling do not need one. Listed buildings are generally exempt from the requirement, as are places of worship, temporary buildings with an intended life of less than two years, and stand-alone buildings with a floor area under 50 square metres.

Lambeth Council operates borough-wide Additional Licensing for HMOs and Selective Licensing in several wards. The council has a dedicated enforcement team that issues civil penalties for non-compliance with HMO licence conditions, which include requirements for fire risk assessments, EICRs, and adequate fire alarm systems. The general legal requirements for epc apply across England, but London Borough of Lambeth may have additional conditions attached to property licences or local enforcement priorities that affect how the requirements are applied in practice.

Lambeth stretches from the South Bank and Waterloo through Brixton, Streatham, and down to West Norwood. The borough features Georgian properties around Kennington, large Victorian terraces in Brixton and Stockwell (many converted into flats), post-war estates throughout, and significant new development around Vauxhall and Nine Elms. The private rented sector is large, and HMO conversions are common, particularly in the SW2, SW9, and SW16 postcode areas. Common property types that require this service include Georgian terraces near Kennington, converted Victorian houses in Brixton and Stockwell, post-war council estates, new-build high-rise flats near Vauxhall. The specific requirements depend on the property type, tenure, and how the building is used.