EPC in Lewisham

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.

Lewisham Council has introduced borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing, meaning all HMOs (not just mandatory licensable ones) must hold a licence. Licence conditions specify minimum fire alarm standards and require a current fire risk assessment, making compliance services in high demand across the borough. The general legal requirements for epc apply across England, but London Borough of Lewisham may have additional conditions attached to property licences or local enforcement priorities that affect how the requirements are applied in practice.

Lewisham has a diverse housing stock dominated by Victorian terraces in areas like Brockley, Ladywell, and Catford, many of which have been converted into flats. There are also significant post-war council estates, particularly around Deptford and Lewisham town centre, and a growing number of new-build developments along the riverside and near transport hubs. The buy-to-let market is active, with many properties split into individual flats or HMOs. Common property types that require this service include converted Victorian terraces, post-war council estates, new-build riverside flats, HMOs in converted houses. The specific requirements depend on the property type, tenure, and how the building is used.