Landlords fear proposed EPC standards more than Renters’ Rights Bill

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) claims more landlords are worried about changes to energy-efficiency rules than the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Research by the NRLA shows that landlords are concerned about proposed targets requiring all private rented properties to meet EPC rating C by 2030 and by 2028 for new tenancies.

The NRLA warns that the changes could affect more than 2.5 million rental homes, with landlords potentially facing high costs to meet the new standards.

Landlords worried about cost of proposed EPC standard

According to the NRLA’s Landlord Eye survey, the Renters’ Rights Bill attracts the largest volume of negative comments from landlords.

Despite this, more landlords are worried about the cost and complexity of meeting the proposed EPC standards, which drew many of the most negative comments from landlords.

According to the NRLA, most landlords who have made energy-efficiency upgrades say they typically spent up to £5,000 per property. Almost one-in-five landlords (18%) had spent more than that.

The government is currently running a consultation on EPCs, and one of the proposals includes introducing a £15,000 cap per property for energy-efficiency improvements.

Landlords unaware of grants schemes

The NRLA adds many landlords are unaware of grant schemes to help meet energy efficiency standards.

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government-backed initiative designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes in Great Britain, particularly those with lower energy performance ratings, focussing solely on insulation upgrades.

However, when asked by the NRLA, more than half of landlords (58%) said they hadn’t heard of GBIS. For the 21% of landlords who had made an application to the GBIS many reported problems with the process.

Many landlords complained about long wait times and unclear outcomes. Several landlords reported rejection by funding bodies for a grant, even though they believed they were eligible under the scheme’s terms and conditions.

One landlord described their experience as leaving them £10,000 out of pocket, despite following all the steps.

More clarity around energy-efficiency rules

The NRLA is urging the government to give clarity around future energy-efficiency rules and make grants easier to access.

The NRLA says landlords want to see funding made available across the whole private rented sector, not just for properties where tenants are on low incomes or benefits.

Chris Norris, campaigns and policy director at the NRLA, said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill represents the biggest shake-up in the private rented sector for 30 years.

“On top of that, landlords are now being asked to pay £15,000 to get their property ready for the new MEES regulations.”

“Given all the changes that are being proposed, it is only fair the government gives landlords and the wider sector enough time to prepare.”