Foundation Home Loans has made changes to its buy-to-let criteria for borrowers, in response to the new energy performance certificate (EPC) regulation which came into effect on 1 April.

Properties registered with Foundation Home Loans are required to meet the minimum EPC standard, a rating between A and E. Properties failing to meet this standard (those with a F or G rating), require improvements to be made and a new EPC rating supplied, within the acceptable range before completion.

If the EPC rating has not been checked or cannot be confirmed by the valuer, the responsibility will be passed to the solicitor who will be required to carry out the relevant checks and provide written confirmation that all necessary work has been undertaken.

This process applies to both a purchase application and a re-mortgage application.

Jeff Knight, marketing director at Foundation Home Loans, said: “Maintaining our adaptable approach is crucial. Considering these new regulations, we are refining our criteria to ensure the buying process is as straightforward as possible.”