Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has thrown his weight behind a controversial government initiative to enforce stricter energy efficiency standards on private landlords, meeting with campaigners from Generation Rent to discuss the impact on tenants.
Miliband took to social media to highlight the issue, posting on X: “Today I heard testimonies from renters @genrentuk, who have suffered the indignity of living in cold, unsafe homes. The fight for a fair deal for renters is a case of economic justice. That’s why we are taking action to enforce proper energy efficiency standards.”
The government recently confirmed that by 2030, all private rental properties must attain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C, with landlords required to spend up to £15,000 per property to meet the new standard.
The policy has received strong backing from Generation Rent, a tenant advocacy group. Its chief executive, Ben Twomey, expressed support in a government press release and later echoed his stance following discussions with Miliband. “Thank you @Ed_Miliband for meeting with renters and taking forward our concerns – we at @genrentuk are looking forward to taking part in the government consultations on improving homes and tackling fuel poverty,” he tweeted.
Generation Rent claims that one in four private renters struggles with fuel poverty, with poorly insulated homes adding an estimated £570 per year to tenants’ energy bills.
Industry Concerns Over Implementation
While tenant groups have welcomed the move, industry figures have raised concerns over its feasibility and impact on the housing market.
The Property Institute (TPI) has flagged significant challenges in improving energy efficiency in leasehold flats, which make up a substantial portion of the rental market. TPI representative Jaclyn Mangaroo acknowledged the need for better energy efficiency but pointed out that many leasehold properties, particularly in tall buildings, face legal and architectural barriers to upgrades.
“With over 20% of households in England and Wales living in flats, maisonettes, and apartments, and nearly five million leasehold homes in England – many in older, inefficient tall buildings – decarbonisation efforts must account for the legal and architectural barriers preventing improvements,” she said.
Mangaroo warned that failing to accommodate these properties in the government’s plans could significantly reduce the supply of rental homes if landlords are unable to meet EPC requirements.
Build to Rent Sector Calls for Realistic Timeline
The British Property Federation (BPF), a key player in the Build to Rent sector, has also expressed concerns, particularly about the timeline for implementation.
A spokesperson for the BPF said: “We fully support the drive to improve energy efficiency across the domestic rented sector, but given we have effectively lost four years, with the target initially suggested in 2020 but not confirmed, it will be challenging for all properties in the private rented sector to achieve EPC C by 2030.”
The federation has called for a more phased approach to allow landlords adequate time and support to comply. “We would like to have seen recognition of the time lost reflected through a gentler trajectory, to provide the sector with sufficient time and support to carry out necessary work,” the spokesperson added.
Additionally, the BPF urged the government to provide certainty over the targets, warning that shifting policies could create further uncertainty and hinder investment decisions in the rental sector.
As the government prepares to roll out consultations on the new measures, the debate between tenants’ rights groups and industry stakeholders is set to continue, with both sides pushing for clarity and support to meet the ambitious energy efficiency goals.