Government’s EPC targets for landlords are ‘unrealistic’ – NRLA
10 months ago | 18 comments
Tenant group claims landlords can easily afford EPC upgrades
12:01 AM, 13th June 2025, 10 months ago
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Generation Rent claims the majority of landlords CAN afford energy-efficiency upgrades because they are mortgage-free.
Despite the tenant group’s claim, as previously reported on Property118, energy-efficiency upgrades are hugely expensive and cost thousands of pounds, which are often then passed down onto tenants.
The tenant group welcomes the government’s commitment to improving energy-efficiency standards in the private rented sector and the announcement of the £13.2 billion funding for the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to support energy efficiency upgrades to homes.
Majority of landlords are mortgage-free, meaning they can easily afford the investment
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has proposed that all private rented properties must meet EPC C targets by 2030, and by 2028 for new tenancies.
In a government consultation on the proposed EPC targets, it was suggested that the maximum required investment for private rented properties to meet minimum energy efficiency standards be raised to £15,000 before landlords can register for an exemption.
However, an industry body warns that this cost cap would push landlords to leave the market.
Despite this, Generation Rent claim landlords can afford the investment.
Dan Wilson, deputy chief executive of Generation Rent, said on X, formerly Twitter: “Everyone needs a good quality, affordable home. It’s the foundation of our lives. But millions of renters are living in cold homes with shocking levels of mould and damp, while they’re most likely to experience fuel poverty. These issues ripple across lives, hugely impacting renters’ mental and physical health.
“Over half of private rented homes in England fall below EPC C, and few landlords will make improvements if they don’t have to. Our analysis shows the majority of landlords are mortgage-free, meaning they can easily afford the investment needed.”
Lower bills won’t be cancelled out by higher rents
Mr Wilson adds: “It’s right the government is intervening to lift renters out of fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. The can has already been kicked down the road, which has been bad for renters and the environment.
“To speed things along, grants are available for landlords to make improvements, but tenants need assurance that lower bills won’t just be cancelled out by higher rents – so we need limits on how much landlords can raise the rent. This simple solution would mean renters are able to enjoy warmer homes and lower bills.”
Despite Mr Miliband’s assurances that EPC upgrades will not lead to higher rents, a government minister previously admitted that landlords can raise rents to cover the cost.
Tags:
energy efficiency funding, energy efficiency upgrades, EPC C targets, generation rent, landlord rent increases, mortgage-free landlords, Private Rented Sector, Warm Homes Plan
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Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 2
3:39 AM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve Rose at 13/06/2025 – 10:42
Don’t forget capital gains tax.
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
7:50 AM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve Rose at 13/06/2025 – 10:11
‘the local authority will’, no,you mean council tax payers will pay.
Member Since July 2016 - Comments: 166
8:17 AM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve Rose at 13/06/2025 – 15:02
Yes tenants will be evicted, housed in tax payer funded social housing which is exempt from the legislation.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 14
9:14 AM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve Rose at 13/06/2025 – 10:11
But tax you on the grant, cannot win either way.
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 1
9:49 AM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
People here are saying that councils will pay for the upgrades. Where is that information? Is there a link please?
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
12:42 PM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
“Majority of landlords are mortgage-free, meaning they can easily afford the investment”
All tenants are mortgage free, meaning they can easily afford the extra rent”
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 267
1:15 PM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
As a small private landlord I am really insulted by the unaudited, and lack of any evidence GENERATION RENT failed to provide to support their statement.
Please GR provide evidence as to how you came to your conclusion!
My thought is I expect GR pay at least 1 employee more than £50,000pa. And possibly a contribution to their pension. and paid holidays no doubt!
I can assure you I don’t get a return anything like that from my private buy to let’s.
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 267
1:32 PM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Desert Rat at 13/06/2025 – 20:21
Was no reason for the rejection given?
I wonder why
I wonder why no explanation given.
After all you have invested your time in applying for a grant to do as much as you can within the your personal financial situation to help your tenants who should save some energy costs. If we are to believe the government calculations.
Your time for little if any benefit to you directly!
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 754
3:03 PM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by JeggNegg at 14/06/2025 – 13:15AND you actually house one or more people, unlike Generation Rent…
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 267
10:06 PM, 14th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Freda Blogs at 14/06/2025 – 15:03
That’s actually true.
One tenant has been with me since only October 2021.
She had previously been a tenant when my father had 1 property in mid 1990’s.
Another tenant in the same village has been a tenant since 2002.
So I think I might be doing something correct.