Coventry Landlords Fined £15,000 for Energy Efficiency Breaches

31/03/2025

If you’re a landlord in England or Wales, it’s time to take a serious look at your property’s energy efficiency. In January 2025, Coventry City Council issued £15,000 worth of fines to landlords who failed to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

This is a clear warning that local councils are cracking down on non-compliance – and it’s not just about energy efficiency. With the huge number of regulations landlords must follow, it’s easy to miss something.

What Are the Energy Efficiency Regulations?

The 2015 regulations, which came into effect in April 2018, make it illegal to rent out properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below E, unless you have a valid exemption.

In practical terms:

  • If your property is rated F or G, you cannot legally let it out.
  • You must make energy efficiency improvements to bring it up to at least an E rating.

The aim of the regulations is to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs for tenants, and improve the overall quality of rental properties.

Coventry Council’s Recent Enforcement Action

In January 2025, Coventry City Council imposed £15,000 worth of fines on landlords who rented out substandard, non-compliant properties.

Councils have the power to issue fines of up to £5,000 per property for breaches of the regulations – and Coventry’s enforcement shows they are willing to use these powers.

If you own rental properties, this should be a wake-up call. Similar crackdowns are expected across the country as councils increase enforcement action.

How to Ensure You Are Compliant

To avoid costly fines, make sure you:

  • Check your EPC rating: If your property is rated F or G, you need to make improvements.
  • Make necessary upgrades: Improve insulation, upgrade the boiler, or install double glazing to boost energy efficiency.
  • Register for exemptions (if applicable): If you have made all reasonable improvements but still cannot achieve an E rating, you may be able to register for an exemption – but you must do so properly.
  • Keep thorough records: Maintain proof of your EPC rating, any improvement work, and any exemptions to demonstrate compliance.

Don’t Let Compliance Issues Catch You Out

Energy efficiency is just one of many legal requirements landlords must comply with. From gas and electrical safety to right-to-rent checks, deposit protection, and licensing rules, keeping up with the ever-changing legislation is no easy task.

If you’re unsure whether your property portfolio is fully compliant, book a compliance call with one of our experts. We’ll review your properties and help you identify any potential risks before enforcement officers do.

👉 Schedule your compliance call here

Don’t wait until you receive a fine – take action now to ensure you’re operating legally and protecting your investment.

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