{"id":4711,"date":"2023-03-06T09:42:40","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T09:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentila.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4711"},"modified":"2025-11-13T13:12:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T13:12:11","slug":"best-ways-to-improve-the-energy-efficiency-of-your-btl-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentila.co.uk\/blog\/best-ways-to-improve-the-energy-efficiency-of-your-btl-property\/","title":{"rendered":"Best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your BTL property"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Best<\/div>\n

The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has partly been driven by substantial energy price increases. And that\u2019s bad news for you as a landlord. You might pay for energy as part of the rental price, which means a hefty increase in your overheads.<\/p>\n

Having your rental property as energy efficient as possible is good for the planet, you and your tenants. The more energy efficient the property is, the more adequately your tenants can heat the property and stay warm without heat and money escaping.<\/p>\n

So, having a proven energy-efficient property is super important if you want your property to be both attractive and affordable.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at how you can improve the energy efficiency of your BTL property in several ways.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The right property<\/h2>\n

If you are currently looking to acquire an additional BTL property, then some properties are naturally going to be more efficient than others. Generally speaking, the newer the home, the more energy efficient it will be. Almost all property built from 2012 has a top-level A<\/strong> or B<\/strong> energy performance certificate (EPC). However, only 40% of older properties have the same top-performing A or B standard.<\/p>\n

Aside from choosing newer properties and checking the EPC rating of older properties, you should also consider the property type. A flat or apartment will be more energy efficient than a semi-detached house. Similarly, a detached house will be less energy efficient than a semi-detached one.<\/p>\n

Draught proofing<\/h2>\n

A cheap way to stop heat escaping is to consider some draught-proofing measures. You could use several steps to prevent draughts, such as fitting rubber strips to windows and doors. You can ensure letter boxes are not draughty by using a letterbox with a brush or an electronic one.<\/p>\n

If there are cracks in the skirting boards, you can use silicone or decorator\u2019s caulk to fill them in. Heavier curtains are a cheap and easy way that stops heat from escaping through windows. You might want to consider rugs or carpets if you have tile or wooden flooring.<\/p>\n

Radiator valves<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s up to your tenants how high or low they turn the thermostat on the boiler, but this has the effect of heating all the radiators in the home at that temperature. If radiator valves are fitted, your tenants can turn off the heat in rooms that are not occupied.<\/p>\n

Loft insulation<\/h2>\n

Because heat rises, it is estimated that 25% of heat in the home is lost from poorly insulated lofts. It\u2019s reasonably quick and easy to insulate a loft; all you need to do is lay down insulation. You can use either glass wool, cellulose or rock wall to do this. The correct thickness recommended is 27 cm for glass wool, 22 cm for cellulose and 25 cm if using rock wall.<\/p>\n

Double glazing<\/h2>\n

All modern properties will have double glazing, but if you have an older property, perhaps some terraced housing, it\u2019s well worth the cost of installing double glazing to vastly improve the energy performance and security of the property. Many tenants will not rent a home without double-glazing due to these concerns.<\/p>\n

Double glazing works by having two panes of glass with a small amount of air inside. Heat requires an excellent conductor to travel, and the limited space between the two glass sheets limits the heat\u2019s ability to escape. The durable nature of PVC or aluminium frames also prevents heat loss.<\/p>\n

LED bulbs<\/h2>\n

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy bills is to fit LED bulbs. You will know if you pick up a bulb to change that has just blown; if it\u2019s a conventional bulb, it is scorching hot. While the bulb produces light, much energy is lost as heat. LED bulbs reduce this waste of energy and money by converting 95% of the energy into light.<\/p>\n

Smart meters<\/h2>\n

Smart meters are an excellent way for tenants to manage bills in real-time. With smart meters, you know exactly how much energy you are using, so there is no shock when the bill comes in. Before energy meters, bills were often estimated, and actual meter readings might be gained infrequently if the meter is not read or the customer doesn\u2019t provide an accurate reading. This can lead to getting into debt and not being able to pay the bill when it arrives.<\/p>\n

Allowing or arranging for a smart meter in the property will let your tenants know what they are spending and to cut down if needed. A spiralling energy debt could result in your tenants moving out or being unable to pay your rent, so this simple free measure is a boon. You can request a smart meter from your energy supplier.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n

What is the minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES)?<\/h3>\n

The MEES Regulations require rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of E. By 2027, the minimum rating will be C, and by 2030, it will be B. Non-compliant properties cannot be legally rented out.<\/p>\n

How can I improve my property’s energy efficiency quickly?<\/h3>\n

Simple measures include installing LED bulbs, adding draught-proofing strips to doors and windows, and ensuring proper loft insulation. These affordable changes can improve energy efficiency and attract tenants.<\/p>\n

Why should I install smart meters in my rental property?<\/h3>\n

Smart meters help tenants monitor their energy use in real-time, preventing unexpected high bills. This helps avoid unpaid rent due to energy debt and makes your property more appealing.
\nThe MEES Regulations require rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of E. By 2027, the minimum rating will be C, and by 2030, it will be B. Non-compliant properties cannot be legally rented out.<\/p>\n

Best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your BTL property: things to Remember<\/h2>\n

Making your BTL property more energy efficient has many advantages. Tenants are looking for<\/a> homes that they can afford to heat. The energy and cost-of-living crisis has no end in sight. So if you want your home to be affordable for tenants to run, it\u2019s vital that you help them by offering property that allows them to stay warm and pay their energy bills as well as your rent.<\/p>\n

The things you can do include:<\/p>\n