Landlords respond to Government's energy efficiency plans

7 Feb 2025 01:34 PM

The National Residential Landlords Association has raised concerns over the Government’s latest consultation on energy efficiency requirements for private rented homes, which requires all landlords to have a minimum EPC C grade to legally let their properties by 2030. While supporting the drive for greener housing, the NRLA emphasizes that achieving these targets requires a clear and practical strategy.

Responding to publication of the Government’s consultation on the energy efficiency of private rented housing, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said:

“We all want to see rented homes as energy efficient as possible, but that will require a realistic plan to achieve 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.

“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.”

Notes:

• According to the English Housing Survey between 2013 and 2023 the proportion of private rented sector homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A-C increased from 23% to 48.4%. Overall, just over 2.5 million private rented homes have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D-G. See table 2.2 here. 
• Research by Kingfisher, owners of  Screwfix, B&Q and TradePoint, suggests that the UK is facing a shortage of 166,000 tradespeople, with the shortfall set to grow to 250,000 by 2030.
• The Committee on Fuel Poverty has noted: “Currently the major energy efficiency programmes are targeted at the owner occupier sector (e.g. Energy Company Obligation, Home Upgrade Grant, Great British Insulation Scheme) or the SRS (Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund). Previously the Committee on Fuel Poverty argued that the PRS be treated as a commercial sector as landlords are effectively managing a business that should meet required standards. Landlords could be helped to meet these standards through tax offsets for improvements, loans or potentially grants for landlords with a low profit margin in areas of low rental value.”
• Citizens Advice have called for “practical support options” to help landlords deal with the cost of making energy efficiency upgrades. It has continued: “The Government should explore green finance options such as low-interest loans or making energy efficiency improvements deductible against income tax.”
• Further information about the NRLA can be found at www.nrla.org.uk.  It posts on X @NRLAssociation.
• The NRLA’s press office can be contacted by emailing press@nrla.org.uk or by calling 0300 131 6363.