Everything a Solihull landlord needs to know about domestic EPCs — when you need one, the minimum band, serving it to tenants, and how it interacts with section 21.
If you let residential property in Solihull, the EPC is not just paperwork — it decides whether you can let at all, and it interacts with your ability to regain possession. This is the landlord-specific version.
When you need one
Before the property is marketed to let, and before a new tenancy begins. The band must appear in the advertisement, and a copy must be given to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
The minimum band
Band E today. Band C is expected for residential lettings by 2030. Letting below the minimum without a registered exemption is unlawful, and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council can issue civil penalties per property.
| Band | SAP score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A | 92–100 | Excellent — very low energy bills |
| B | 81–91 | Very good — efficient modern home |
| C | 69–80 | Good — the target for landlords by 2030 |
| D | 55–68 | Average — most homes in Solihull sit here |
| E | 39–54 | Below par — current legal minimum to let |
| F–G | 1–38 | Poor — cannot usually be let without works |
The section 21 trap
This is the one that catches experienced landlords. In England, failing to serve the EPC on the tenant can invalidate a section 21 notice. You can be fully compliant on the band, hold a perfectly valid certificate, and still find you cannot regain possession because it was never handed over. Serve it with the tenancy pack, and keep evidence that you did.
Getting the rating right
Landlords are more exposed than owner-occupiers to a pessimistic assessment, because a defaulted band can trigger works you do not actually need. Before the assessor arrives, gather cavity-fill and loft-insulation certificates, the boiler installation and service records, and any FENSA glazing paperwork. Make sure the loft hatch is clear.
What tends to move a Solihull rental
It depends on the stock. Inter-war semis through Shirley and Olton respond well to cavity plus loft. All-electric flats and maisonettes in Chelmsley Wood and Kingshurst usually turn on the heating system. Period property in Knowle and the Arden villages is the hard case, and needs the options costed before anything is committed.
Portfolio work
See our landlord services page, get a compliance plan through MEES consultancy, or book a domestic EPC.
Looking for your own area? We have local EPC guides for Shirley, Olton, Knowle, Dorridge, Solihull town centre, Chelmsley Wood, Castle Bromwich, Balsall Common and every other Solihull area.