Secondary Glazing is ideal for Landlord EPC rental improvements
Since 2018, landlords for most private rentals have faced a legal requirement to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, by getting ratings of “E” or better on their Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s). In 2025 this requirement goes up to a “C” rating for new rental contracts, with a deadline of 2028 for all others, although at time of writing, it is expected that this will be pushed back 3 years in a Housing Secretary climbdown (updates here once confirmed). A much higher standard, “C” can be reached by combining various measures, including the key one for single glazed windows of insulating or double glazed replacement, along with simple inexpensive Draught Proofing.
Because the cost of replacing windows is so high, more and more landlords are turning to Secondary Glazing, where similar levels of heat insulation are gained but at much lower cost, especially using DIY Secondary Glazing options. Magnetic, sliding, screw and stick down systems are available along with cut to size (glass clear) plastic glazing sheet, for lightweight, thermally effective insulation, to suit practically all window types. In addition to better pricing, lead times will be a lot shorter, as the secondary glazing products are stocked, the only delay being cutting glazing panels to size.
For more details on the effectiveness of Secondary Glazing compared to Double Glazing visit this page: https://www.secondarydiyglazing.com/heat-retention/
The EPC rental improvement guidelines set a spending cap for landlords in meeting the current “E” EPC rating of £3500 inc. Vat, after which exemption can be claimed, even if the target has not been reached. In 2025 this cap rises to £10,000 of the landlord’s own funds, which many private landlords will struggle to afford, so all the more crucial to get effective improvements without breaking the bank. For more details on the comparative costs of different window insulation methods, visit this page: https://www.secondarydiyglazing.com/case-study/costs/
The background to these regulations is the UK Government’s targets on reducing greenhouse gases, in a bid to slow the growth of climate change. An estimated 16% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions come directly from the residential sector, with heating being the most difficult energy consuming activity to de-carbonise, given the reliance on natural gas. The measures being recommended by the Government for EPC improvements are a mixture of:
For more information on the Government regulations and guidance, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance
There may be local authority grants available for landlords, worth enquiring!