Landlords face potential rental bans over EPC C targets
Landlords could face bans on renting out their properties if they fail to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C targets by 2030. This development comes in the wake of a recent announcement by Ed Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, in the House of Commons.
Miliband stated, “One thing that this government will do that the last government did not, is demand that landlords raise the standard of their accommodation to a proper energy performance certificate standard C by 2030.”
He asserts that these mandatory targets will support over three million people in the country currently facing fuel poverty.
The NRLA is calling for clarity
However, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for clarity from the Labour government regarding funding for energy efficiency improvements.
This appeal comes after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to scrap previously proposed EPC targets, which would have required landlords to ensure their rental properties met a minimum EPC C rating by 2025 for new tenancies and by 2028 for all tenancies.
The NRLA warns that without a proper plan, many smaller landlords may struggle to meet these new requirements.
Meera Chindooroy, NRLA deputy director of campaigns, policy and public affairs, emphasized this point:
“Our research shows that, contrary to popular opinion most landlords are not property tycoons with money to spare, and with improvements potentially costing tens of thousands of pounds it is essential that the government comes up with a plan that will work across the country.”
The association is seeking more information from the government on several key aspects, including how properties will be assessed, details of any exemptions and spending caps, and whether funding or other support will be available to landlords for making improvements.
Energy efficiency improvements capped at £10,000
Under the previous government’s proposals, spending on energy efficiency improvements was capped at £10,000.
However, the NRLA highlights that this cap could have varying impacts on landlords depending on their location, with £10,000 potentially being more manageable for a landlord with properties in London compared to one with properties in the North East.
As the situation develops, landlords and industry stakeholders await further details on how these new targets will be implemented and what support will be available to ensure compliance while maintaining a healthy supply of quality rental properties.
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