Ed Miliband: Landlords must meet EPC C targets by 2030

Landlords could face bans on renting out their property if they do not meet EPC C targets by 2030, claims the NRLA.

Ed Miliband, energy security and net zero secretary, told the House of Commons that landlords must meet energy efficiency targets by 2030 but gave no further detail on how this will be achieved.

The NRLA is urging the Labour government to provide clarity on funding for energy efficiency improvements.

The former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped EPC targets which would have required landlords to ensure their rental property had a minimum EPC C rating.

The mooted deadline was 2025 for new tenancies, and by 2028 for all tenancies.

Mandatory targets will help those in fuel poverty

Mr Miliband told the Commons: “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.”

Mr Miliband claims the mandatory targets will support more than three million people in the country facing fuel poverty.

Most landlords are not property tycoons

However, the NRLA warns without a proper plan, many smaller landlords will struggle to meet the new requirements.

NRLA deputy director of campaigns, policy and public affairs Meera Chindooroy said: “In the midst of a housing and cost of living crisis it is vital that we ensure there is a healthy supply of quality homes to let in the places where people want to live.

“Creating energy efficient homes is a win/win – tenants have cheaper bills, and the property is more marketable as a result. However, the costs to get some homes, typically older properties, to a C grade is, quite simply prohibitive for smaller landlords.

“Our research shows that, contrary to popular opinion most landlords are not property tycoons with money to spare, and with improvements potentially costing tens of thousands of pounds it is essential that the government comes up with a plan that will work across the country.”

Energy efficiency improvements capped at £10,000

The NRLA is asking the government for more information as to how properties will be assessed and details of any exemptions and spending caps, as well as whether funding or other support will be available to landlords when it comes to making improvements.

Under the previous government’s proposals, spending on energy efficiency improvements was capped at £10,000.

However, the NRLA points out that this cap could have varying impacts on landlords depending on their location.

For example, £10,000 might be more manageable for a landlord with properties in London compared to one with properties in the North East.

You can watch the Ed Miliband video below

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