With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to squeeze household budgets, the government has extended the deadline for landlords to make their rental properties more energy-efficient. Under the revised Warm Homes Plan, landlords now have until 2030 to upgrade their properties, a two-year extension from the previous 2028 deadline.
Additionally, the maximum amount landlords will be expected to contribute towards the upgrades has been reduced by £5,000, from £10,000 to £5,000. This change is intended to ease the financial burden on property owners and encourage compliance with the new energy efficiency standards.
The Warm Homes Plan, first introduced in 2021, aims to improve the energy performance of the UK’s housing stock and reduce carbon emissions. It requires landlords to ensure their rental properties meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by the specified deadline.
“This extension provides much-needed relief for landlords who have been struggling to meet the original timeline and cost requirements,” said Housing Minister, Keira Simmons. “We want to support landlords in making their properties more energy-efficient, but we also recognise the financial pressures they are facing.”
The updated policy has been welcomed by industry groups, who argue that the previous targets were too ambitious and could have led to a significant number of rental properties being taken off the market.
“Landlords have been under immense pressure to upgrade their properties, and many simply couldn’t afford the £10,000 price tag,” said Jane Ellison, spokesperson for the National Landlords Association. “This extension and reduction in the cost cap will give them more time and financial flexibility to comply with the new standards.”
However, some environmental advocates have expressed concerns that the changes could slow the progress towards the government’s broader climate goals. “While we understand the need to support landlords, we can’t lose sight of the urgent need to improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock,” said Sarah Woodward, from the advocacy group Green Action.
The government has stated that it remains committed to the Warm Homes Plan and its broader objectives, but acknowledged the need to balance environmental targets with the practical realities faced by property owners.
