October 1, 2023
In July 2023, UK Housing Secretary Michael Gove said that the government should ‘relax the pace’ of EPC reforms expected from private landlords. This was in response to concerns about the cost and feasibility of upgrading rental properties to meet the minimum energy efficiency rating of C by 2028.
It is not yet clear how the EPC changes will be relaxed, but some possible options include:
- Extending the deadline for landlords to upgrade their properties.
- Providing more financial support to landlords to help them make energy-efficient improvements.
- Exempting certain types of properties from the EPC requirements, such as listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.
- Allowing landlords to make incremental improvements to their properties over time, rather than having to achieve a C rating all at once.
The government is expected to announce more details about the relaxed EPC requirements in the coming months.
In addition to the above, the government is also considering other ways to help landlords improve the energy efficiency of their properties. For example, the government is exploring the possibility of introducing a new tax break for landlords who make energy-efficient improvements.
The government’s decision to relax the EPC requirements is a welcome one for many landlords. However, it is important to note that the government is still committed to improving the energy efficiency of rental properties. The relaxed requirements are intended to give landlords more time and flexibility to make the necessary improvements, not to exempt them from doing so altogether.