Landlords tell Starmer – your energy efficiency targets can’t be met!

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns that government plans to improve energy efficiency in private rented housing are unrealistic. The proposals aim to ensure all privately rented homes achieve at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C, with new tenancies required to comply by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030.

However, landlords could have less than two years to upgrade 2.5 million homes, which the NRLA argues is impossible due to a chronic shortage of skilled tradespeople—a shortfall expected to reach 250,000 by 2030. The association also criticizes the lack of clarity on funding, warning that landlords may struggle to finance the necessary improvements.

Instead of the proposed timeline, the NRLA suggests a two-stage approach:

1. By 2030 – Landlords should meet fabric-related standards, such as insulation.
2. By 2036 – Landlords should comply with secondary standards, including smart meters and efficient heating systems.

NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle argues that while improving energy efficiency is important, the current timeline is detached from reality and requires a more practical policy to avoid unintended consequences.