Room for Improvement: Preparing landlords for new minimum energy efficiency standards

Energy

19 November 2024

Room for Improvement: Preparing landlords for new minimum energy efficiency standards 4.23 MB

Private renters are facing a crisis of high energy bills, disrepair and debt. But the Government's to require privately rented homes to reach an energy performance certificate (EPC) level of C could bring down tenants' costs and make their homes warmer and healthier.

Citizens Advice's new research explores what's needed to bring landlords on the journey to improving their properties and delivering better standards for tenants. We know that regulation is a key driver for landlords to take action: while most landlords agree that they have a responsibility to provide warm and efficient homes, without regulation few plan to make improvements in practice. And landlords’ awareness of energy efficiency regulation is low, with only 1 in 5 private landlords able to identify the current minimum standards.

That means it’s essential for the Government to act quickly to provide clarity for landlords on the new regulation. Offering appropriate financial support can be key to helping landlords stay in the market, but it's also vital that this is backed up by robust enforcement and safeguards for tenants.

We're calling for:

Practical support options to help landlords deal with the cost of making upgrades. The Government should explore green finance options such as low-interest loans or making energy efficiency improvements deductible against income tax.
Enforcement action where landlords don’t meet required standards. The Government must give local authorities the resources to take genuine action, alongside wider reforms to the rental market such as ending Section 21 evictions.
A clear and tailored communications strategy to inform landlords about the MEES policy and the support available. The Government should also provide certainty by acting quickly to legislate for changes, and providing a clear timeline for the new regulation - including interim deadlines for new tenancies to meet standards.