UK Government Proposes Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Rental Homes

Plan aims to improve housing standards and cut renters' energy bills, but concerns grow over costs and potential rent hikes.

The UK Government has introduced a proposal requiring rental properties to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher by 2030, with a 2028 deadline for new tenancies.
The plan could save renters an estimated £240 annually on energy bills and lift up to 500,000 households out of fuel poverty, according to government estimates.
Landlords may face upgrade costs ranging from £6,100 to £15,000 per property, with caps and exemptions based on rent levels or council tax bands, but clarity on funding gaps remains limited.
Critics warn that the policy could lead to evictions, rising rents, and landlords leaving the rental market due to financial pressures and a shortage of qualified tradespeople to carry out upgrades.
Housing advocates and experts emphasize the need for government support, including funding for local councils and protections for renters, to ensure the policy achieves its goals without exacerbating housing instability.