Private landlords in England will be required to upgrade their properties to a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030, an increase from the current minimum of E. This change is part of the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty.
As part of the new measures, landlords will need to implement energy-saving upgrades, such as loft and cavity wall insulation and double glazing, to enhance the comfort and affordability of their properties. The government estimates that these changes could save tenants an average of £240 annually on energy bills.
Currently, 48% of private rented homes already meet or exceed the EPC C standard, and the government aims to extend these standards to all rental properties. The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, highlighted the initiative’s role in addressing poor living conditions for tenants and improving overall housing standards.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner comments:
“For far too long we have seen too many tenants plagued by shoddy and poor conditions in their homes and this government is taking swift action to right the wrongs of the past. Through our Plan for Change we are driving up housing standards, improving quality of life, and slashing energy bills for working people and families.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband noted that these regulations will ensure landlords invest in their properties, providing long-term benefits for renters. The government is now seeking views from tenants and landlords on the proposals to boost living standards in the private rented sector and cut the cost of energy bills, which include:
• Allowing landlords flexibility in how to achieve energy efficiency, starting with basic insulation measures before considering options like solar panels.
• Establishing a maximum cost cap of £15,000 per property for landlords, with available financial support through existing government schemes.
• Introducing an affordability exemption that lowers the cap to £10,000 for landlords managing lower-cost properties.
• Extending the compliance deadline to 2030, giving landlords additional time to adapt to the new requirements.
The government is also revising its fuel poverty strategy, focusing on improving home energy performance and assisting low-income households with energy costs.
This follows planned reforms to empower Ofgem, the energy regulator, to become a strong consumer champion, upgrading up to 300,000 homes through the Warm Homes Plan this financial year, and driving a new era of clean energy through the Clean Power Action Plan.
