The UK government has said that financial assistance is available to help landlords improve the energy efficiency of their rental properties and meet future EPC requirements.
In response to a written parliamentary question, ministers confirmed they are working to increase access to private finance options that could support landlords in funding energy-efficiency improvements. The government has already announced that all privately rented homes in England will be expected to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030.
Government outlines available support
Liberal Democrat MP Gideon Amos asked what financial help would be offered to landlords who need to upgrade their properties to comply with the proposed EPC C standard.
Responding on behalf of the government, Energy Consumers Minister Martin McCluskey said that several forms of support are already in place to help landlords improve the energy performance of their properties.
These include the Warm Homes: Local Grant, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and the temporary zero rate of VAT on qualifying energy-saving improvements, which is currently due to remain in place until March 2027.
The minister also pointed to the government’s online ‘Find Ways to Save Energy in your Home’ tool, which provides tailored recommendations on energy-saving improvements and cleaner heating systems based on individual properties.
Plans to expand green finance
Alongside the existing schemes, the government said it is looking at longer-term ways to make private finance more widely available for landlords undertaking energy-efficiency upgrades.
As part of its wider Warm Homes Plan, ministers intend to establish a strategic partnership with the green home finance sector. The aim is to encourage lenders and financial providers to develop a broader range of green finance products, giving landlords more options when funding improvements to their properties.
The government believes that increasing access to finance will make it easier for landlords to invest in upgrades while supporting the UK’s wider net zero ambitions.
Landlord concerns remain
Despite the government’s commitment to providing financial support, landlord representatives continue to question whether the proposals are practical.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has previously warned that many landlords may conclude the cost of bringing older properties up to EPC C standard outweighs the benefits. As a result, some could decide to sell rather than invest in expensive retrofit work.
Challenges facing older properties
Chris Norris, Chief Policy Officer at the NRLA, said the organisation supports improving the energy efficiency of rental homes wherever it is practical to do so.
However, he argued that expecting every property to reach an EPC rating of C within the proposed timeframe is unrealistic. He said the government’s approach does not fully recognise the wide differences in the age, condition and construction of housing across both the private rented sector and the wider housing market.
He also highlighted the technical complexity of many retrofit projects and the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople capable of carrying out the necessary work.
Risk of reduced rental supply
According to the NRLA, landlords who own properties that are particularly difficult or costly to upgrade may have little option but to sell.
The association believes this could further reduce the supply of rental homes at a time when demand already significantly exceeds availability, placing additional pressure on tenants looking for accommodation.
Call for greater financial assistance
The NRLA is urging ministers to introduce a more targeted package of financial support to help landlords carry out the required improvements.
The organisation argues that greater investment support would encourage more landlords to upgrade their properties rather than leave the rental market altogether. It also noted that previous recommendations from the Committee on Fuel Poverty and Citizens Advice have called for stronger financial assistance to help improve the energy efficiency of homes.
While the government has confirmed that support schemes are already available and more financing options are being explored, many landlords remain concerned that the cost and complexity of meeting the 2030 EPC target could have unintended consequences for the UK’s already stretched rental market.
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