Plans For Rented Properties To Achieve A Minimum EPC
Labour has confirmed plans for rented properties to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade C by 2030.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirmed the plans for rented properties, emphasising the government’s commitment to reducing fuel poverty.
In a written question, Green MP Ellie Chowns asked: “To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to require landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties to an EPC C rating.”
Improve their properties to EPC standard C
Ms Fahnbulleh replied: “This government is committed to reducing the number of fuel poor households in England.
“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.”
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband told the Commons last week: “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.”
He said doing so would support more than three million people facing fuel poverty.
Financial support to help meet the EPC target
However, Propertymark has called for landlords to access financial support to help meet the EPC target.
The organisation states: “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.
“Any future targets must be fully backed by legislation that incentivises and encourages people rather than penalising them.”
It points to a February 2024 poll which revealed that more than 35% of landlords said they couldn’t afford to meet the high upfront costs.
Propertymark says it is currently in discussions with officials after writing to Ed Miliband to seek clarity on the new targets.
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