The government has committed to upgrading “as many private rented sector homes as possible” to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C by 2030, it has revealed within a consultation.
The government has committed to upgrading “as many private rented sector homes as possible” to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C by 2030, it has revealed within a consultation.
This applies where practical, cost-effective and affordable, according to the Department for Business, Energy & Industry Strategy.
Furthermore, it is purposed within the consultation for the government to reduce energy bills and increase comfort for tenants, as well as supporting delivery of its statutory fuel poverty target.
In addition, the government is looking to potential property value improvements for landlords and delivering carbon emission savings over Carbon Budgets 4 and 5.
Timothy Douglas, policy and campaigns manager at ARLA Propertymark, said: “On the face of it these proposals simply do not take into account the state of the UK's housing stock.
“We all want to see more energy efficient homes, but the new rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable. Landlords and their letting agents are already taking the brunt of tax changes and many are providing support to tenants with coronavirus related arrears.
“A simplified exemptions regime and additional financial support must be made available otherwise the measures in their current form, will not be achievable and that would mean further reductions in the supply of rented accommodation available.”
