Propertymark calls for more landlord support in Warm Homes Plan

Propertymark has welcomed the government’s Warm Homes Plan, which aims to help homeowners save money on energy bills and improve home energy efficiency.

The plan includes grants for heat pumps, support for renters and low-income households, and a relaxation of planning permission rules for heat pumps in England.

However, Propertymark says it is concerned that the support for the private rented sector (PRS) is insufficient.

While the government has confirmed that landlords will be expected to meet EPC C standards by 2030, the financial support available to them is limited and subject to strict eligibility criteria.

Must offer parity for private landlords

Propertymark’s policy and campaigns officer, Tim Thomas, said: “The grant funding support for owner occupiers as part of the new Warm Homes Plan is welcome as is the commitment to reduce the burden on requirements for heat pump planning permission.

“While we are pleased to see limited support is on offer to decarbonise private rented properties, similar restrictions proved to limit take up from previous schemes.

“The UK Government must level the playing field and offer parity for private landlords.”

He adds: “With the clock ticking the government must also end the uncertainty on PRS exemptions and requirements for commercial landlords.”

Qualifying criteria for landlords

The qualifying criteria for landlords include having a tenant currently living in the property who is in receipt of a means tested benefit.

Or if their household gross annual income is less than £36,000.

If a landlord has a property where the tenant qualifies, they could receive full funding for the first property capped at £15,000 but would have to contribute 50% of the funding for additional properties.

Landlords or their agents would also be expected to sign a declaration saying they will not increase rent due to the funding.

Funding criteria should be streamlined

Propertymark has argued that the funding criteria should be streamlined to increase eligibility to all PRS tenancies – to help level the playing field with other housing tenures.

The introduction of the Warm Homes Plan also led to an announcement that the Government will consult on proposals for landlords to meet EPC by 2030.

However, Propertymark is also calling for urgent clarity on requirements for non-domestic commercial property.

The previous Conservative government said that non-domestic property must meet EPC B by 2030, but the energy secretary Ed Miliband has told Propertymark that the government is still considering if this policy was appropriate.

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