Government needs new approach to energy efficiency for renters – NRLA

Industry body the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for a new approach to energy efficiency targets in the private rented sector.

The government’s current proposals mean that all new private tenancies will need an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of at least a C by 2025. EPC ratings go from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Currently, all rented properties must have a rating of E or above.

Consultation on the target closed two years ago. However, there has been no official response, despite the increasing importance of energy efficiency to renters. The NRLA wants more “clarity” from the government amid uncertainty among landlords, and warns that the current targets have “no hope of being met.”

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “We all want to see properties as energy efficient as possible. However, the government’s delay in responding to its consultation on energy standards in the private rented sector means its plans are dead in the water. The lack of clarity is playing a major part in holding back investment in the homes to rent tenants desperately need.”

The government has also proposed that landlords should fund energy efficient improvements themselves, to a figure of £10,000. The NRLA wants the amount that landlords contribute to be linked to average rents in their area.

According to Ben Beadle: “The proposals fail to accept the realities of different property and rental values across the country, and that the private rented sector contains some of the most difficult to retrofit homes.

“Ministers need a smarter approach with a proper financial package if we want to ensure improvements to the rental housing stock.”

Read more on the NRLA website.

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