A Berkshire landlord has called on the Government to apply new energy efficiency standards to all homes, not just rental properties.
Mark Thompson, a private landlord based in Windsor, has launched a petition on the House of Commons website urging ministers to introduce “a level playing field” in the rollout of tighter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rules.
Under current plans, landlords will be required to ensure their properties reach a minimum EPC rating of band C by 2030. Many will face costly upgrades to meet the target, while owner-occupied homes will not be subject to the same requirement.
Thompson argues this approach is “unfair and illogical” from an environmental perspective.
“Owner-occupied homes contribute just as much to emissions and energy waste, yet face no pressure,” he told The Neg. “Climate action should be shared—not dumped on landlords alone.”
His petition states: “We urge the UK government to introduce a level playing field by applying the same energy efficiency standards to both privately rented and owner-occupied properties.”
Recent research by rental firm Uncle found that more than half of homes in the UK’s largest cities have an EPC rating of D or below. Blackpool fared worst, with 74% of homes scoring D or lower, while Milton Keynes performed best, with 60% achieving C or above.