A tenant advocacy group has proposed new “common sense” measures that would allow renters to reclaim rent if landlords fail to meet energy performance certificate (EPC) standards. Generation Rent’s Raising Standards, Not Rents report outlines several recommendations for the government, criticising the ongoing influence of landlord lobbyists, who the group claims have consistently resisted energy-efficiency targets.
The proposals come at a time when the government has mandated that all private rented properties must meet EPC C standards by 2030. For many tenants, this presents an opportunity to benefit from warmer homes and lower energy bills, while also holding landlords accountable for substandard housing conditions.
Protecting Renters Through Policy
Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, stressed the importance of putting robust policies in place. He noted that opposition to net-zero measures often revolves around concerns that the costs will fall on those who can least afford them. Meanwhile, landlord groups have argued that retrofitting homes to meet energy efficiency standards will inevitably lead to rent increases.
Twomey explained:
“Improving energy efficiency in private rented homes sits at the intersection of social justice and climate policy. With the right protections, tenants can enjoy the benefits of warmer, more energy-efficient homes while emissions are reduced. It is entirely possible to achieve both goals without placing renters in financial jeopardy.”
Generation Rent is urging the government to ensure that tenants are not left vulnerable to sudden rent hikes as homes are upgraded, highlighting the need for protections that enable tenants to fully benefit from improved housing standards.
Rent Repayment Orders and Eviction Protections
One of the key proposals is the introduction of rent repayment orders, which would allow tenants to reclaim rent if their home does not meet EPC C standards from 2030. Generation Rent argues that this measure would empower renters, encourage landlords to comply with energy-efficiency requirements, and reduce the enforcement burden on local authorities.
Other recommendations include:
- Raising awareness among tenants of the new minimum energy-efficiency standards.
- Ensuring tenants understand when they can challenge rent increases if their home fails to meet EPC standards.
- Preventing landlords from pressuring tenants to apply for exemptions.
- Publishing clear, comprehensive guidance for both landlords and tenants on rights, obligations, and recourse.
- Increasing council funding to enforce the new energy-efficiency regulations.
- Introducing a protected period from eviction for tenants after government grants or loans are used to fund retrofit work.
Challenges for Landlords
While the proposals focus on tenant protections, the financial and practical realities for landlords cannot be ignored. Many properties, particularly older and hard-to-treat homes, require significant investment to meet EPC C standards.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, commented:
“Landlords in the private rented sector are being asked to deliver substantial and costly upgrades to meet EPC C by 2030, without clear funding commitments, realistic delivery timescales, or sufficient flexibility for older, complex, and hard-to-treat properties.”
These concerns highlight the need for a balanced approach that protects tenants while providing landlords with viable pathways to comply with new standards. Without financial support and clear guidance, achieving EPC C across the private rental sector could be extremely challenging.
The Bigger Picture
Generation Rent’s report underscores that energy efficiency improvements should not come at the expense of renters’ financial security. By implementing these policies, the government could demonstrate that social justice and climate action can work together, directly benefitting tenants while lowering emissions and improving housing quality.
The discussion also emphasises the broader challenge of meeting net-zero targets within the private rental sector. For both tenants and landlords, clear regulations, financial support, and realistic timelines will be crucial to ensure compliance with EPC standards, while also preventing unintended financial burdens on renters.
Ultimately, Generation Rent’s proposals aim to create a housing market where renters can enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient homes without fear of unfair rent increases, and landlords are given the tools and guidance needed to meet new standards responsibly.
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