MP demands tenants be protected from eviction following EPC upgrades

An MP has called for greater eviction protection for tenants from landlords who have received grants to improve a rented property’s energy performance certificate (EPC) rating.

In a written question, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon asked whether the government “has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing tenants’ protections from eviction, after landlords have accessed grants to improve energy efficiency”.

However, the government says the Renters’ Rights Bill will help protect tenants from eviction by abolishing Section 21.

Government is committed to protecting and improving the rights of tenants

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook replied: “The government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation included proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030.

“The consultation closed in May this year and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are currently reviewing responses ahead of publishing a response.

“The government is committed to protecting and improving the rights of tenants. The Renters’ Rights Bill will put in place new regulations to protect tenants.”

He added: “This includes providing stronger protections to ensure that tenants are able to appeal excessive above-market rents, abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’, and moving to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic.

“These measures provide more security for tenants and enable them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.”

Landlords can raise rents to pay for EPC upgrades

However, the Labour government confirmed landlords can raise rents to pay for EPC upgrades.

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman confirmed in Parliament that landlords can legally factor in the cost of improving a property’s EPC rating when setting ‘higher market rents’.

The government also plan to launch the Warm Homes Plan which aims to help homeowners save money on energy bills and improve home energy efficiency, including grants for heat pumps, and support for renters and low-income households.

Despite the Warm Homes Plan being meant to launch this month, a government minister admitted the plan would now roll out “before the end of the year,” giving no specific date.