Industry body calls for more support for landlords to meet EPC C targets

A landlord association has warned that funding alone will not be enough to meet EPC C targets.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) have urged the government to provide “a comprehensive package of support to landlords”.

The news comes as the government have proposed all private rented properties will need to meet EPC C targets by 2030.

Overcome barriers to retrofit

In a post on their website, the NRLA said: “We have issued the warning to government in response to its £5bn Warm Homes Fund plans, which are currently out for consultation.

“While we applaud the ambition of the scheme, we have stressed it is vital that Ministers consider the real-world challenges faced by landlords and the practical changes that can be made to help them.

“In our response, we have argued the fund should not only be source of finance, but a market enabler, helping to overcome wider barriers to retrofit.

“We have also included a list of key recommendations that we believe will make a difference, from initiatives to tackle the shortfall in qualified tradespeople to expert support in accessing green finance options.”

Under the recommendations, the association says the government must encourage lenders to develop products specifically for properties with lower EPC ratings, helping direct support towards homes requiring the most significant improvements.

It also calls for recognition of the diversity of the private rented sector, including the different needs of small and large landlords, as well as the unique challenges faced by leaseholder landlords in multi-occupancy buildings.

Increased supply

The NRLA says the success of the Warm Homes Plan should be judged against clear delivery frameworks and transparent metrics.

It says the government must show that investment has increased supply and improved the energy efficiency of homes.

It also says there must be clear reporting on how public funding is used and the impact it delivers.