Daniel Topping

Published by Topping EPC | Last updated: April 2026 The rules around renting out property are changing significantly. If you're a landlord in England or Wales, you need to understand the new minimum energy efficiency standards — and act before it's too late. Here's everything confirmed so far, in plain English. What Is the EPC C Deadline? On 21 January 2026, the government confirmed as part of its Warm Homes Plan that all privately rented properties in England and Wales must achieve a minimum...

Short answer: yes but only when the house is properly prepared. There has been growing discussion about how air source heat pumps perform in cold weather, especially in older homes. With the recent cold spell, I wanted to share a real example from my own home in Southwater. I’ll explain what has worked well, what challenges we faced, and why preparation made such a difference. The Property: A Complex Setup Our home is not a modern or straightforward build. It is an end-terrace property,...

Awaab’s Law Explained: What Homeowners, Landlords and Tenants Need to Know (2025 Update) By Daniel Topping – Topping EPC & Retrofit, Southwater Damp and mould have always been a major concern in UK housing, but the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 changed the landscape completely. In response, the Government introduced new legislation—now known as Awaab’s Law—to ensure that serious hazards such as damp and mould are dealt with quickly, professionally, and safely in social...