‘Plan for Change’ to Make Private Rentals More Energy Efficient
Private landlords in England and Wales could end up forking out thousands of pounds in order to get their properties compliant with new government energy efficiency rules.
Under the government’s Plan for Change initiative all private rental properties will have to meet minimum energy standards by 2030. Government analysts say the costs to upgrade to a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) level ‘C’ will cost landlords anything from £6,100 to £6,800.
The proposal is currently out to consultation, with landlords and renters urged to make their feelings known.
A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the move could benefit renters by cutting back their fuel bills to the tune of £240 a year.
Landlords to look at solar panels and cavity wall insulation
In order to remain complaint with the proposed legislation landlords will have to invest in double glazing, cavity wall insulation and other measures to ensure tenants remain warm in their homes. Solar panels and smart meters may also be considered.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Through our Plan for Change we are driving up housing standards, improving quality of life, and slashing energy bills for working people and families.
Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary, added: “These plans will also make sure that all private landlords are investing in their properties, building on the good work of many to upgrade their homes to Energy Performance Certificate C or higher already.”
Nearly half of landlords already compliant
The good news is that around 48% of private rental homes are already compliant with the new proposed government standards. The current EPC standard for private rental properties is ‘E.’
One of the proposals in the consultation is whether to give landlords an additional two years after the 2030 cut-off to get up to standard. Another is to limit the cap for landlords to a cost of £15,000 per property, while a third is to introduce an affordability exemption, limiting the cap to £10,000, for a property with a lower rent or a reduced council tax band.
