iHowz calls on government for clearer guidance as biggest EPC changes in decades come into force
11 months ago | 10 comments
Government’s EPC targets for landlords are ‘unrealistic’ – NRLA
9:57 AM, 5th June 2025, 11 months ago
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The government’s ambitions to boost the energy efficiency of private rented homes are ‘unrealistic’, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns.
Current proposals suggest that landlords may have less than two years to improve more than 2.5 million properties to meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of C.
The plan outlines that this standard will be finalised by late 2026, applying to new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030.
However, this tight schedule leaves landlords with a huge challenge to upgrade millions of PRS homes that currently fall below the required energy performance standard.
Timelines are ‘hopelessly unrealistic’
The NRLA’s chief executive, Ben Beadle, said: “We want all private rented properties to be as energy efficient as possible.
“However, tenants are being sold a pup with timelines that are hopelessly unrealistic.”
He added: “The idea that millions of homes can be retrofitted in less than two years is detached from all reality, not least given the chronic shortage of tradespeople the sector needs to get the work done.
“Noble ambitions mean little without practical and realistic policy to match.”
Shortfall of tradespeople
According to Kingfisher, which owns Screwfix, B&Q and Tradepoint, the UK could face a shortfall of 250,000 qualified tradespeople by 2030.
The government has yet to clarify how these extensive upgrades will be financed, ignoring recommendations from the Committee on Fuel Poverty.
It has urged for a tailored support package to fund energy efficiency improvements across the sector.
NRLA’s proposed EPC timeline
Now, the NRLA has put forward what it calls a practical two-phase implementation plan in its consultation submission.
It suggests that by 2030, landlords should focus on improving building fabric, such as adding insulation where feasible.
By 2036, further measures, including the installation of smart meters and efficient heating systems, should be mandated.
The NRLA’s call for a revised, staggered approach aims to balance the government’s environmental goals with the practical issues faced by landlords.
Tags:
Energy Efficiency Standards, Landlord regulations, NRLA, private rented housing, retrofit timetable, skilled trades shortage, UK Housing Policy
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Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 205
10:03 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Does the government want more energy efficient properties, less expensive to run properties, or lower costs for tenants?
Because its not possible to have more than one of these at the same time, rents will have to rise.
What is the actual goal?
If the target is to reduce the number of landlords (and rental properties available), then the policy should be a massive success.
Time for me to retire.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1590
10:08 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
The goal is simple.
The government wants to build 1.5 million new homes to house migrants but they don’t want to invest in the National Grid.
Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 5
10:24 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
One word!! Dreamland!
This will be canceled or amended shortly if not it’s doomed to fail.
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 1013
10:26 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by David100 at 05/06/2025 – 10:03
Definitely the latter.
The Government just wants to drive small private Landlords out of the PRS and they don’t care who gets hurt along the way (tenants).
You’ll notice that the rules don’t apply to social housing which are frequently owned by large corporates. Especially when you consider that the poorest in society tend to live in such properties and would see the biggest benefit for any EPC upgrade. More proof that the Govt don’t give a damn about tenants.
Member Since July 2015 - Comments: 2
10:43 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
It is challenging to move to an EPC target of C when we must all be aware the EPC requirements are a ‘moving feast’.
Ed Miliband wants Net Zero targets to be met and is pushing away from fossil fuels, yet EPC still are adverse to electric heating solutions & favour gas.
How can you plan when you know that without doubt the EPC requirements will change between now & 2030?
Even if you can make the necessary changes to achieve EPC C today – it gives you a 10 year window? Possibly not as there is talk for reducing the 10 years to 5. So with EPC improvements today may have you backed ranked at an E in 2030 & you will be ripping out the gas combi boiler for an air source heat pump at the very least.
Great for manufacturing, but a total farce to the environment & landfill! Not to mention the disruption & cost to tenants.
Landlords and for that matter tenants need a clear picture of the changes they need to make and that these changes need to be beneficial to all for years to come – lets face it most housing stock outlast most of us!
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 205
10:49 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Twelve years ago, the government gave me a grant to remove electric heating, and install gas in two of my rental properties.
Now they are giving grants (if you can get one) to remove gas and install electric.
Confused.com
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
11:46 AM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Clearly the NRLA hasn’t been paying attention and doesn’t understand the real purpose of smart meters.
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 1013
12:24 PM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by G T at 05/06/2025 – 10:43I’ve a couple of properties “C” rated with gas boilers. They’ll undoubtly be downgraded when the revised EPC system favouring electricity over gas comes in. Fortunately, the current EPCs are valid until the end of 2031, I might get them re-done just before the the new EPC system comes in, although I’ll be running the risk of getting a lower rating just because it a different assessor.
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 236
1:45 PM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Gromit at 05/06/2025 – 12:24
Nurture a tame assessor and hang onto him! I’ve got to know mine very well over the years and we have an excellent business relationship. At EPC time, he does the assessment, if it’s a C he hits the button. If not we look at what needs to be done and he defers until the work is done. I pay twice but it keeps it simple and effective.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 357
4:27 PM, 5th June 2025, About 11 months ago
Is it just me . The government want landlords to spend £15 k on each house on EPC improvements. I believe this will cost a lot more as many home owners are spending £30 to £40 k putting in heat pumps with extra pipe work radiators and insulation. To try get them to work .
This is to save tenants a few hundred a year on energy bills.
Yet the government took no steps to prevent energy companies putting up prices by over a £1000 a year both gas and electric.
Which is huge increase than any EPC improvements that could be made.
Landlords will then have to increase rents to get back money spent on EPC improvements.
Even if it is a £100 a month this would be four times the money a tenant is ment to save a year .
In reality the increases will need to be higher than that amount.