If you are a tenant or renter in Scotland you have a right to clear information about a homes energy performance and to raise concerns if a property is inefficient or unsafe to heat. This page explains what an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows, what minimum standards mean for private rented homes, and practical steps tenants can take to ask for improvements or challenge a landlord. The guidance is written for non-experts and includes example letters, the official routes for complaints, and where to find the right forms and tribunals in Scotland.
What is an EPC and why it matters
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives a property a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and lists recommended improvements. Landlords must make a valid EPC available to prospective tenants and should provide a copy on request to current tenants. An EPC helps you understand likely heating costs and whether the landlord should consider improvements such as insulation, boiler upgrades or draught-proofing. You can ask for the EPC before signing a tenancy and keep a copy for records. [3]
Minimum energy standards and the law in Scotland
Scotland sets rules on energy performance and how rented homes must meet basic standards; these are linked to the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and Scottish energy regulations. If a property does not meet required standards, tenants may request upgrades and—if the landlord does not act—use official enforcement routes. The Scottish Government and the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) are the key authorities for guidance and disputes. [1][2]
Common tenant actions and practical examples
When you think a property has poor energy performance, follow a simple sequence: ask the landlord, get the EPC and recommendations, request specific improvements in writing, and escalate if needed. Below are typical steps with examples you can adapt.
Example request to a landlord
Write a short letter or email that says what you have noticed, references the EPC recommendations, and asks for the landlord to carry out specified works within a reasonable time. For example: I am writing to request the insulation measures recommended on the EPC dated [date]. Please confirm a date for the work within 28 days. Keep that message and any replies.
Official forms and where to use them
Below are the main official forms and documents tenants need to know about, with when and how to use each one and a practical tenant-focused example.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) What it is: the official EPC document for a property. How you use it: request a copy from the landlord before signing or while living there. Example: cite the EPCs recommended loft insulation when asking for work. Reference: Scottish Government EPC guidance and register.[3]
- Application to First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) What it is: the official application used by tenants to seek orders (for example, enforcing repairs or standards). How you use it: only after attempting to resolve matters with the landlord; submit the tribunal form with evidence of requests and the EPC. Example: apply for a Repairing Standard enforcement order if heating is inadequate despite requests. Reference: First-tier Tribunal guidance and application pages.[2]
- Statutory notices and written requests What they are: written letters or emails that formally request action. How you use them: send one as your first formal step and allow a reasonable deadline (for example, 1428 days) for the landlord to respond. Example: send a dated email asking for boiler repair and a timescale, then keep the reply as evidence.
How enforcement works
If the landlord does not act after reasonable requests, tenants can escalate. For repairs tied to habitability or the repairing standard, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) with your evidence and a copy of the EPC. The tribunal can make legally binding orders requiring the landlord to carry out work. Keep organised records: dated requests, photos, copies of the EPC, and any replies.
What evidence to include with an application
- Photographs and dated logs of heating or damp problems.
- Copies of your written requests and the landlords responses.
- A copy of the EPC and the specific recommendations it lists.
- Notes of dates and any appointments the landlord promised but missed.
FAQ
- Can my landlord rent a home without an EPC in Scotland?
- No. Landlords should provide an EPC to prospective tenants and make it available on request during a tenancy.[3]
- What rating is acceptable for a rented property in Scotland?
- Scotland has minimum energy expectations for the private rented sector and landlords are expected to act on EPC recommendations; check the Scottish Government guidance for current minimum thresholds.[1]
- How do I force my landlord to carry out energy efficiency improvements?
- First try a written request with evidence and a reasonable deadline. If unresolved, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) with copies of requests, the EPC and supporting evidence.[2]
How-To
- Request the propertys EPC from your landlord in writing and keep a dated copy.
- Compare recommended measures on the EPC and write a short, specific request asking the landlord to carry out named works within a reasonable deadline (for example, 1428 days).
- Gather evidence: photos, meter readings, dated messages and any missed appointments.
- If the landlord does not act, complete and submit the appropriate application to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) with your evidence and the EPC copy.
- Attend any tribunal hearing or follow instructions from the tribunal and keep copies of all orders and correspondence.
Key Takeaways
- Always get and keep a copy of the propertys EPC when renting in Scotland.
- Start with a written request to your landlord and use the First-tier Tribunal only if necessary.
- Keep dated records, photos and copies of all communication as evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) application and guidance pages.[2]
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 on legislation.gov.uk.[1]
- Scottish Government guidance on Energy Performance Certificates and minimum standards.[3]
