The Labour government has unveiled plans to enforce a new energy efficiency standard for rental properties, mandating that all rented homes achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade C by 2030. This ambitious initiative was confirmed by Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle fuel poverty.
Green Party MP Ellie Chowns raised the issue in a written question to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, asking whether it would become official policy to require landlords to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties to an EPC C rating. In response, Ms. Fahnbulleh affirmed the government’s dedication to this goal, highlighting the positive impact it would have on households struggling with energy costs.
“This government is committed to reducing the number of fuel-poor households in England,” Fahnbulleh stated. “We will require landlords to improve their properties to Energy Performance Certificate standard C by 2030. Ensuring warmer, healthier private rented homes will lift many families out of fuel poverty and reduce energy bills.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband echoed this sentiment in a recent Commons address, emphasizing the contrast between the current administration’s proactive stance and the inaction of previous governments. “One thing that this Government will do that the last Government did not, is demand that landlords raise the standard of their accommodation to a proper energy performance certificate standard C by 2030,” Miliband declared. He noted that this measure would benefit over three million individuals facing fuel poverty.
Despite broad support for the initiative, concerns have been raised regarding the financial burden on landlords. Propertymark, a key industry organization, has called for financial assistance to help landlords meet the new EPC requirements. “Propertymark wants to see more energy-efficient homes, but, as we have long said, the rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable for the sector,” the organization stated. “Any future targets must be fully backed by legislation that incentivises and encourages people rather than penalising them.”
A recent poll conducted in February 2024 revealed that over 35% of landlords feel unable to afford the significant upfront costs associated with upgrading their properties. Propertymark has since engaged in discussions with government officials and has written to Ed Miliband seeking further clarification and support for landlords to achieve these energy efficiency targets.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, the Labour government faces the challenge of balancing its commitment to reducing fuel poverty with the need to support landlords in making the necessary improvements to their properties.