The government has launched a consultation as part of its plans to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard of privately rented homes to an EPC of C by 2030.
This builds on an initial consultation issued by the previous government in 2020.
The government has argued aiming for EPC ratings of C would deliver savings for tenants and improve the thermal comfort of privately rented homes, while also encouraging the decarbonisation of heating and improved flexibility in the energy use of buildings.
As part of this consultation, the government is seeking views that landlords should be required to invest up to £15,000 per property to meet the standard.
After this, they could register for a 10-year exemption to continue to let the property even if it doesn’t meet the required efficiency threshold.
Government modelling indicates that, on average, properties will require between £6,100 and £6,800 worth of investment to meet the standard under the preferred metric approach.
In response, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) welcomes the overall aim of the government’s plan but argues a “clear and practical” strategy is needed.
Here, Ben Beadle, CEO at the NRLA says there are other issues the government should address as part of this.
“The chronic shortage of tradespeople to carry out energy efficiency works needs to be addressed, alongside a targeted financial package to support investments in the work required as called for by the Committee on Fuel Poverty and Citizens Advice,” said Ben.
“Importantly a realistic timetable is needed if the 2.5 million private rented homes, which will not currently meet the Government’s proposed standards, are to be improved.”
Likewise, Propertymark head of policy and campaigns Timothy Douglas argues the government should side with landlords instead of fighting them.
“Landlords are part of the solution, but the UK government must listen and support them as housing providers,” said Timothy. “Failure to do so alongside adequate and sustained grant funding, will only mean that property will not be available to rent, and tenants lose out when there is huge demand for rented property across the country.”
