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UK Landlords Brace for New Energy Efficiency Deadline

Private landlords in the UK are preparing for a new government mandate to improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties, with an official announcement anticipated next week.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is expected to announce that all private rental sector (PRS) homes must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. A DESNZ spokesman suggested, “he would be surprised if there wasn’t an announcement next week.”

This expected extension offers landlords more time than the previous deadlines, which required new properties to comply by 2025 and all PRS properties by 2028. These targets were scrapped by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last September.

Labour’s Manifesto Commitments

The Labour party has reinforced its dedication to improving energy efficiency in its manifesto, stating: “We will ensure homes in the private rented sector meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030, saving renters hundreds of pounds per year. Nobody will be forced to rip out their boiler as a result of our plans.”

Investing in Energy Efficiency

Ed Miliband, DESNZ Secretary, highlighted the importance of upgrading Britain’s homes and addressing fuel poverty through the Warm Homes Plan. This initiative includes a £6.6 billion investment over the next parliament to upgrade five million homes, with the goal of reducing energy bills for families.

Miliband explained the support measures: “It will offer grants and low-interest loans to support investment in insulation and other improvements such as solar panels, batteries, and low carbon heating to cut bills.”

Immediate Action Planned

Miliband reaffirmed the department’s commitment to its objectives: “The job of our department will be to deliver our mission so we can make the UK energy independent, bring down energy bills for good, create good jobs, and tackle the climate crisis. We will get started right away.”

As landlords prepare for these impending changes, the new EPC targets and associated financial support are expected to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of rental properties. This will ultimately benefit both landlords and tenants while contributing to the UK’s broader environmental goals.

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