Call to impose EPC rules on landlords as tenants ration energy
7 months ago | 110 comments
More than a third of landlords head for the exit as Renters’ Rights Bill sparks uncertainty
12:01 AM, 19th September 2025, 7 months ago
13
Categories:
A survey has found that 39% of landlords are preparing to quit the private rented sector as the Renters’ Rights Bill reshaping of tenant protections raises concerns about the future of letting.
The findings from Simply Business show that the landlords are considering selling within the next year.
Along with the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords also point to tighter EPC regulations and Making Tax Digital for their decision to quit.
The survey of more than 1,000 landlords found that a quarter (26%) view the Bill as their biggest worry, 39% still consider property letting worthwhile, while 26% remain uncertain.
RRB won’t improve PRS standards
The firm’s UK chief executive, Julie Fisher, said: ”There’s a sense of trepidation amongst the nation’s landlords.
“The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill is set to drastically change the rental market in the next 12 months.
“But many landlords (76%) fear the new regulations won’t increase standards in the market the way the government hopes.”
She added: “Insuring more than 300,000 landlords allows us to gain first-hand insight into the integral role they play in the housing market.
“What’s clear is their desire to continue providing quality housing while maintaining viable businesses.
“With the biggest changes to tenancy law in a generation almost here, alongside several other regulation changes, landlords are asking for clarity.”
Landlords maintain stable tenancies
One of the most controversial changes under the Bill is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions which is the main concern for 38% of landlords.
However, 56% are concerned about lengthier, costlier eviction processes even though research shows that landlords tend to maintain stable tenancies.
Simply Business also found that 71% have never used a Section 21 notice to evict a tenant, while 97% have housed the same tenants for more than a year.
A third (31%) have provided homes for the same tenants for more than five years.
Landlords haven’t increased rents
The new rules for restricting rent rises appear to cause fewer worries with 8% listing it as a priority issue, with many landlords saying they do not intend to pass on extra costs.
More than half have not raised rents in the past year, while two thirds do not expect to change their approach once the new limits come into force.
The upcoming law will also impose tougher energy performance standards and by 2030, rented homes must reach an EPC rating of C, up from the current minimum of E.
Landlords could face costs of up to £9 billion collectively, with 13% expecting to spend more than £10,000.
However, 21% remain unsure how to meet the requirements.
In addition to housing reforms, the government’s Making Tax Digital scheme will require quarterly submissions from April 2026 for those earning more than £50,000.
The majority (68%) of landlords say they are unprepared, with many expecting higher accountancy fees and more complex reporting.
Tags:
EPC rating changes, Landlord Concerns, Making tax digital, rental housing UK, rental law UK, renters rights bill, section 21 ban, UK Landlords
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Previous Article
Who is Mystic Mortar?Related Articles
Landlords hit by surge in short-stay renters
7 months ago | 14 comments
Renters’ Rights Bill could create 1 million new pet owners
7 months ago | 17 comments
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
9:50 AM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
With all the threatened fines for what could be minor oversights, the standard of maintenance is likely to decline. Property will remain empty because of the lack of fixed term tenancies, just what is needed in the middle of a housing crisis. As to the stupidity around student accommodation, which by its very nature is fixed term, words fail me.
There is little doubt that successive governments are intent on destroying the PRS and that tenants are the pawns in their strategy: why, what is the unsaid long term objective?
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1575
10:21 AM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 19/09/2025 – 09:50
It’s simple.
MPs don’t have long term objectives. They focus only on the next election.
In order to buy votes, they need to spend, spend, spend.
Housing is the target, whether it’s homebuyers with SDLT and a potential new (possibly additional) council tax, or landlords with the same additional CT, CGT, S24, funfair penalties, freezing of LHA and, of course, the constant landlord-bashing rhetoric.
Tenants will pay more rent, have less choice and the housing crisis will deepen. The promise of 1.5 million new homes will not be delivered. They’ll be lucky to hit half of that figure.
Member Since June 2015 - Comments: 330
10:46 AM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
I don’t intend evicting anyone to be able to sell, but I also don’t intend to relet any of my self contained units should they become naturally vacant. They will be put up for sale. Maybe they’ll sell, maybe they won’t. Then I’ll think about reletting if it’s the only option.
The RRB is adding far to much risk and hassle. I don’t want to do short term letting and I don’t want to be arguing about pets or dealing with the damage pets cause. I already use rolling tenancies after the initial term, let to benefit assisted tenants and families with children, allow pets in SUITABLE properties and I’m licensed by the Local Authority. Forcing us all to act as short term operators is going to add enormous cost. The advertising, clean up and voids could be horrendous. Selling certainly looks more attractive but may be problematic for some properties.
Two of my flats are above shops or cafes, so mortgages can be tricky for FTBs. Great flats, great locations, tenants love them but mortgage lending criteria doesn’t.
One of my tenants has already said he would like to buy the coach house he is renting. We’re probably looking at 2 or 3 years time on that one. He’s a great tenant and I’m perfectly happy to let things jog along until he’s ready.
Another tenant has told me he’s not leaving until he’s in a pine box. Again a good tenant but the EPC rules may change his plans.
Others are very long term with children in local schools, so I’m probably stuck with those houses for the foreseeable unless I change my ideas about eviction or they can afford to buy them.
There must be numerous other landlords with a similar approach. We’re not going to evict decent tenants any time soon but we’re also not intending to re let to new unknown tenants.
Member Since October 2019 - Comments: 391
1:04 PM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
I have a block of 4 flats and due to RRB all tenants have been given notice as I intend to sell vacant as I don’t find the chance of £40,000 fines and rent rebates very appealing. Three are now vacant but one tenant stubbornly won’t budge and will fight to the bitter end which can take months due to choked up courts. During that time there’ll be no rent coming in and I’ll have to payout council tax on all vacant flats! This is all due to the …………. messing everything up. Everyone else pays the price, not forgetting being hammered for CGT too. Wonderful!
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
1:50 PM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by LaLo at 19/09/2025 – 13:04
Landlords should feel privileged for being selected to make a larger than average contribution to the Exchequer.
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 47
6:42 PM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
If anyone reading this is in the 39% reply to this comment. I am looking to expand.
Thanks in advance
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
7:14 PM, 19th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark C at 19/09/2025 – 18:42
I am in the same position as you, looking to expand, BUT I am in a very advantageous position and know why I can succeed where others will fail. Please tell us what is your secret for success?
Member Since September 2025 - Comments: 1
8:56 PM, 21st September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark C at 19/09/2025 – 18:42
I have decided to sell my 3 houses as can’t be bothered to keep up with all the new rules aimed at killing the sector.
Member Since September 2021 - Comments: 104
9:48 PM, 21st September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark C at 18:42
Hi Mark,
I’m selling my shop and 3 bed Massonette plus garage. If you want to expand this property has lots of potential, including turning the shop into another 2 bedroom flat by permitted development.
Please contact me and we can discuss the details.
Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 52
4:21 AM, 22nd September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark C at 19/09/2025 – 18:42
probably these are press releases put out by black rock and black stone….seems like bs to me…to spook landlords to sell…so the large companies like black rock will take over the rental properties…apparently it seems investment companies like black rock are controlling the rental rights bill and pushing to damage private landlords…but Reform plans to remove the rental rights bill or water it down…basically the rental rights bill is being supported by the institutional landlords