Strict EPC C targets risk deepening Scotland’s housing crisis

An industry body has warned that strict EPC C targets for Scotland’s private rented sector could worsen the housing crisis.

The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) welcomes measures to improve energy efficiency but says the Scottish government must provide more support for landlords to meet the EPC C targets.

The government has proposed that all private rented properties must achieve EPC C standards by 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all existing tenancies.

Financial strain on the PRS

Anamika Dwivedi, senior policy officer at the SPF, says the strict EPC C deadlines do not provide enough time to landlords and instead say a realistic deadline of 2030 for new tenancies will be more achievable.

She said: “While we naturally welcome measures to improve the energy performance of homes within the rented sector, thus saving tenants money and tackling fuel poverty, we fundamentally believe that a more collaborative, balanced and proportionate approach is needed.

“One that must consider the needs of both landlords and tenants and be realistic about the ability of the sector to prepare for this. That is why we are calling for a more achievable commencement date of 2030 for new tenancies. As the risk of not doing so will place significant financial strain on the private rented sector, potentially exacerbating the ongoing housing crisis and limiting the supply of homes to rent.”

The SPF’s response forms part of its response to the Scottish government’s consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector.

Need to be sensible and pragmatic

As previously reported by Property118, the Scottish Conservatives have called on the SNP to introduce exemptions for EPC C targets, particularly in rural areas.

Shadow housing secretary Meghan Gallacher MSP says a one-size-fits-all approach to meet energy-efficiency targets will make it particularly difficult for rural homes in Scotland.

She told Property118: “I spoke to one landlord, and they told me they would have to erect a windmill outside their property just to meet EPC C targets.

“It just shows the flaws in the Scottish government’s proposal to meet EPC targets.

“We need to be sensible and pragmatic, and understand that not every part of Scotland is the same. Some exceptions will need to be put in place.

“The Scottish government should look at a rural-based solution in order for these landlords not to be unfairly penalised.”