Ministers have laid out plans to make sure all rented homes and business properties hit a certain energy efficiency standard.

UK buildings must emit “close to zero” carbon by 2050 if the UK is to fall in line with legal targets, according to ministers.

In a consultation paper released on Friday, Energy Secretary Ed Davey pointed out the scale of the challenge, with 18% of non-domestic properties in the “very lowest” bands for environmental performance certificates, with a rating of F or G.

The onus will be on landlords in England and Wales to bring buildings up to scratch.

On the non-domestic front, by 1 April 2018 all eligible properties will have to hit a minimum energy efficiency standard before being let to tenants.

As for domestic properties, new rules will mean private tenants can request consent for energy efficiency measures that may not unreasonably be refused by their landlord. This set of regulations are scheduled to be in force by 1 April 2016.