Landlords told to prepare early for EPC C 2030 upgrades

A firm has warned landlords to act now rather than later to meet the EPC C 2030 deadline.

Glevum Windows says that with the Renters’ Rights Act now in force, landlords should start preparing upgrades without delay.

According to BTL lender The Mortgage Works, only one in three landlords (33%) has a clear understanding of the cost of upgrading their properties, while 63% say they do not know how much it will cost to bring their properties up to standard.

A full upgrade can meaningfully improve an EPC rating

According to the data, 33.8% of private rented homes are still below EPC C, and the firm warns landlords need to act now.

Mike Donaldson, the firm’s managing director, said: “The 2030 deadline feels distant, but the installation pipeline won’t wait, and landlords are only just waking up to the fact that windows are often the first thing an EPC assessor looks at.

“Most landlords still don’t know what’s required or what it will cost, and by the time they do, lead times will have stretched significantly. Those who act now get better availability, better pricing, and the certainty that they’re compliant well ahead of the rush.

“A full upgrade can meaningfully improve an EPC rating, eliminate the condensation that leads to damp and mould, and reduce a tenant’s bills. For landlords, that’s one conversation that solves three problems at once.”

The firm says windows are one of the most overlooked and impactful factors in a property’s EPC rating.

They account for up to 25% of heat loss in a typical UK home, yet the firm claims 10% of privately rented properties currently suffer from damp, more than double the rate seen in owner-occupied homes.

Fix damp and mould within strict timeframes

The government has not yet confirmed a date for implementation, but Awaab’s Law is expected to come into force during phase three of the Act, in 2027.

The law will require landlords to fix damp and mould within strict timeframes.

Whilst the government has not yet set out what these timeframes will be for the private rented sector, for social housing, all emergency hazards need to be fixed within 24 hours and any potential significant hazards must be investigated within 10 working days of becoming aware of them.