Renters in England and Wales are set to benefit from new rules that will require landlords to meet higher energy efficiency standards by 2030. This move is expected to save renters an average of £240 per year on their energy bills and help lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty.
Under the proposed regulations, all private landlords will need to ensure that the homes they rent out achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above. This is a significant increase from the current requirement of EPC rating E. Landlords will have the flexibility to choose how to meet these standards, including options such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, solar panels, batteries, smart meters, and low carbon heating like heat pumps.
The government has proposed a maximum cap of £15,000 for landlords to spend on improving their properties to meet the EPC C rating. There is also a potential for a lower cap of £10,000 if renters are charged lower rents or homes are in a lower council tax band. The aim is to ensure that tenants are not burdened with increased rents as a result of these energy efficiency measures.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised the importance of these changes in addressing the long-standing issue of tenants living in substandard conditions. He highlighted the potential savings for renters and the overall improvement in housing standards that these regulations are expected to bring about. This move aims to ensure that all private landlords are investing in their properties to provide warmer homes and reduce energy bills for tenants.
The government had previously considered implementing the EPC C standards by 2028 but faced backlash and criticism from landlords and tenants alike. However, the new consultation seeks to readdress these concerns and push forward with the energy efficiency improvements for rented properties.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner expressed the government’s commitment to raising housing standards and improving the quality of life for tenants. She highlighted the government’s determination to rectify past wrongs and ensure that tenants are not left living in poor conditions.
The new regulations also include plans for introducing new energy performance certificates, with homes already rated A-C considered compliant until they expire. The government believes that these measures will play a crucial role in reducing energy bills, enhancing living conditions, and promoting sustainable practices in the rental sector.
Overall, the proposed changes are seen as a positive step towards ensuring that rented properties meet higher energy efficiency standards, benefiting both renters and the environment. Landlords will play a key role in meeting these requirements and providing better-quality housing for tenants across England and Wales.