If you’re a landlord in the UK, you’ll already know that there are strict legal standards you must meet before renting out your property. One of the most important is ensuring your home is adequately insulated and energy efficient.

The Legal Requirement

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), all rental properties in England and Wales must meet a minimum EPC rating of “E” or above. From 2025, the government has signalled its intention to raise this to a minimum EPC rating of “C” for new tenancies.

Insulation is a key factor in achieving these standards. Without proper insulation, it’s almost impossible to meet the EPC requirements.

The Problem with Spray Foam

Many landlords turned to spray foam insulation believing it would help meet energy efficiency rules. Unfortunately, the opposite has happened:

• 🔎 Surveyor Objections – Spray foam is often flagged as a defect, making it difficult for tenants to secure mortgages if they later purchase the property.
• 🏦 Lender Restrictions – Mortgage lenders frequently refuse buy-to-let lending on properties with spray foam insulation.
• ⚠️ Hidden Risks – Spray foam can trap moisture, restrict roof ventilation, and conceal structural issues – all of which create long-term problems for landlords and tenants alike.

Why This Matters for Landlords

• ✅ You have a legal duty to provide a habitable, energy-efficient property.
• ✅ Spray foam can actually jeopardise your EPC rating, especially if surveyors downgrade your property because of insulation concerns.
• ✅ If you decide to sell your rental, you may face significant delays and costs as spray foam is almost always reported as a red flag.

How We Can Help

At the Spray Foam Advice Centre, we specialise in helping landlords resolve these issues before they become legal or financial obstacles.

• We provide independent advice on how spray foam affects rental compliance.
• We can connect you with trusted removal specialists to reinstate your property with lender-approved insulation.
• We issue Homeowners Confirmation Letters for landlords who complete removal, giving you documentation to reassure letting agents, tenants, and future buyers.

The Bottom Line

If you own a rental property with spray foam insulation, it’s not just a maintenance issue – it’s a compliance risk. The law requires insulation, but it must be the right type. Spray foam could put you on the wrong side of both EPC regulations and mortgage lending rules.

Before you let or sell your property, speak to the Spray Foam Advice Centre. We are the only UK organisation offering landlord-focused support and confirmation letters following spray foam removal.

Contact us today to protect your rental investment.