Labour’s EPC targets for landlords could spark ‘frenzy’
1 year ago | 6 comments
Government to consult on EPC C rating for the PRS
12:06 AM, 21st January 2025, 1 year ago
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The UK government is set to finally unveil its long-awaited consultation on new energy efficiency standards for private rented properties.
Plans are expected to include a requirement for all rental homes to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or equivalent by 2030.
This move follows months of delays since the initial announcement last September and comes amidst growing pressure to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock.
Currently, PRS homes must meet a minimum EPC rating of E, while social housing faces no such minimum requirement.
Consult on increasing EPC standards
Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh confirmed the imminent launch of the consultation and in a written answer, said: “Government will consult shortly on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector.
“The consultation will include proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030.
“In this consultation, we will set out proposals on the exemptions regime for properties that cannot meet the proposed increased standard.
“We encourage landlords and other key stakeholders to feed into this consultation when it is published.”
Potential exemptions for landlords
The statement came in response to a written question from Labour MP Simon Opher, who inquired about potential exemptions and alternative pathways for landlords unable to meet the EPC C rating requirement due to structural limitations.
The government launched a consultation in December focusing on changes to the EPC rating system.
This consultation, which closes next month, includes proposals to reduce the validity periods for EPCs and revising the methodology for EPC calculations.
There’s also a plan to extend the existing rules to require all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to obtain an EPC certificate.
Upgrading properties to meet an EPC C rating
The prospect of upgrading properties to meet an EPC C rating presents significant challenges for landlords.
One recent analysis by epIMS found a substantial portion of homes currently available for sale fall below this threshold.
Estimates suggest that bringing a rental property up to the new standard in England could cost landlords around £8,000.
Ryan Etchells of Together told the Daily Telegraph that the previous government’s measures had already driven many landlords out of the market.
He added that there is a severe shortage of tradespeople – a crisis the government has failed to address in its reforms.
The consultation is expected to generate considerable debate among landlords, tenant groups and industry stakeholders as they grapple with the potential costs, compliance challenges and the impact on the PRS.
Tags:
compliance, energy efficiency, Energy Performance Certificate, EPC C rating, government consultation, housing costs, landlord, Private Rented Sector, rental property
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1 year ago | 2 comments
Landlords warned against costly EPC upgrades
1 year ago | 6 comments
Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 2
8:18 AM, 22nd January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Andy Coleman at 21/01/2025 – 14:34
£500?do you know How much the current labour cost isl?
Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 2
8:23 AM, 22nd January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 21/01/2025 – 09:43
All buildings across the country must comply with epc
Member Since January 2021 - Comments: 15
5:02 PM, 24th January 2025, About 1 year ago
The next round of Warm Homes:Local Grant due in April does now allow a landlord to have 100% funding for energy efficiency measures for 1 property. The previous round (HUG2) required a 33% contribution.
I am working on the scheme with some Council areas around Hampshire if anyone is interested.
Member Since November 2019 - Comments: 150
3:21 PM, 25th January 2025, About 1 year ago
I think most of us in the real world are willing to make improvements in energy performance if the requirements are practical and cost effective.
When just one the requirements to get 2 points and have have a Cost of £8000 and a saving of £38 per month that’s a different mater
Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 12
10:45 PM, 27th January 2025, About 1 year ago
There are approximately 4-5million pre 1920 houses in the UK, an huge number of them are rented,many are HMOs, it takes an investment of the thick end of £50,000 to bring just one house up to EPC C , I know I’ve done it.
In the North East , Midlands it’s not worth attempting unless you’re prepared to get your hands dirty and do it yourself.
Grants are out there, but only available if you sell your soul to the Government.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
8:06 AM, 28th January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Martin R at 27/01/2025 – 22:45
Actually, although not an HMO, I had 2 properties upgraded using the ECO4 scheme . Applied for by the tenants – loft insulation, solar panels and new electric storage heaters – cost to me absolutely ZIP
Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 2
3:57 PM, 1st February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Nicholas Ainger at 24/01/2025 – 17:02
From what I have read the tenant needs to meet income eligibility criteria for landlords to get help. Is that right or have I got the wrong end of the stick?
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
9:13 AM, 2nd February 2025, About 1 year ago
Yes is correct, tone of my tenants was on UC (only getting 69 PENCE a week, but she still qualified).and the other earned under £31k a year
Member Since January 2021 - Comments: 15
6:00 PM, 2nd February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Lesley Dobson at 01/02/2025 – 15:57
ECO4 requires the tenants to be on income under £31,000, or certain benefits or have a designated qualifying illness.
Warm Homes: Local Grant is household income under £36,000, qualifying benefits or be in a particular postcode. There are 259,162 postcodes in England which automatically qualify.
The postcode list is found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-local-grant
Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 2
6:23 PM, 2nd February 2025, About 1 year ago
The last time this happened there was a cap on expenditure and older properties could apply for exemption. Anyone have any insights on the likelihood of something similar this time?