What happens to tenants in 2030 if the property is not up to a “c” on the EPC?

What happens to tenants in 2030 if the property is not up to a “c” on the EPC?

0:02 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago 14

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I have a block of 6 flats in a Victorian property in a conservation area and all of the tenants are on Universal Credit + some PIP payments. The majority of the tenants have been with me for 10 years plus and do not want the hassle and upheaval of internal insulation.

The rent charge is currently at LHA and everyone is happy.

What happens between now and 2030 if nothing changes, as all the flats are registered as an “E” on the EPC. Will the government rehouse them all, will there be some sort penalty, is this not against my human rights to be forced into spending 60/80k?

Thanks,

Matthew


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Jim K

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10:53 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

There is already a clause whereby current tenants can opt out.
Secondly the government started the row back last week with listed properties.
Expect significant 'fine tuninig' as we approach 2030.
(Major series of U Turns!)

Jason

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10:53 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

Honestly, no one knows especially the people pushing this cr**. Do nothing we will have a change of government by then, there is no clarity so do nothing untoward and don’t worry about it. Above all did a say do nothing. Yep that it’s LL’s can’t act on speculation.

DPT

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10:59 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

Change of Govt by then and the policy either scrapped or kicked into the long grass.

Reluctant Landlord

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11:15 AM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

Reply to the comment left by Jim K at 22/04/2025 - 10:53
really ? Where did you read this or find this out?

Graham Tongate

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12:01 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

Jim K
I am sure you are right, where can I find the text tenants can sign and opt out of EPC rating on their property? Is this for listed buildings only?

Lewis Ellsum

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13:08 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

I'm in the exactly the same situation. My tenants are council tenants (supposed to be temporary housing....but 8 years later!)

My epc is D and I keep being rejected for the grants.

I'm happy with the tenants, they are happy too.

I'm intrigued you say existing tenants can opt out???? I haven't read that.

Reluctant Landlord

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13:25 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

Reply to the comment left by Lewis Ellsum at 22/04/2025 - 13:08
its not an 'opt out'. Tenants themselves just need to sign something to say they do not want the work carried out - then you can apply for an exemption for up to 5 years. If they move out before the 5 years exemption is up then you will have to carry out the work before you can let again.

The way its going there wont be anywhere else for the existing tenant to rent even if they wanted to leave, so just keep the rent slightly under market rate and you essentially have a tenant for life. The 5 year exemption can be reapplied for if same tenant stays put and again refuses to have any work carried out.

Lewis Ellsum

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13:30 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

So if I said I wanted to do the work they can refuse there and then..... or did I have book the contractor and they refuse to let them in?

Judith Wordsworth

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14:31 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

I asked this a few months back. I also asked my MP who said no one knows.

Bl**dy wonderful.

GlanACC

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14:31 PM, 22nd April 2025, About 3 weeks ago

A tenant can 'opt out' from having EPC work done by refusing it. This is the cop out for landlords, the landlord could say that if the tenant wanted the work done they would have to leave. The tenant could then write a letter to the landlord to refuse the work. The landlord would then either have to evict the tenant to get the work done OR -- register an exemption on the ground the tenant has refused the work. This is registered in the PRS Exemptions Register.

Google PRS EXEMPTIONS REGISTER and look at the Gov.uk entry

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