Millions of renters trapped in cold, inefficient homes are set to benefit from government plans to raise energy standards in private rentals.
The new measures, part of the Plan for Change, could lift up to 500,000 households out of fuel poverty and save tenants an average of £240 per year on energy bills.
Currently, nearly half of England’s private rentals have decent energy ratings, but the rest remain costly and inefficient.
Under the new rules, all private landlords will be required to upgrade properties to meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher by 2030.
The upgrades, which could include loft insulation, double glazing, and smart meters, aim to reduce bills and make homes more comfortable.
“For far too long we have seen too many tenants plagued by shoddy and poor conditions in their homes,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. “This government is taking swift action to right the wrongs of the past.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added: “These new changes could save renters £240 a year by raising the efficiency of homes to cut the cost of bills.”
Landlords will have flexibility in how they meet the standards, with a cost cap of £15,000 per property and exemptions for those with lower rents or council tax bands. The government is now consulting landlords and tenants on the proposals before finalising the rules.
With nearly one in four renters living in fuel poverty, housing advocates are calling this a crucial step. “The lack of investment by some landlords to end the scandal of cold homes has gone on for too long,” said Caroline Flint, Chair of the Committee on Fuel Poverty.
Meanwhile yesterday Ms Rayner reaffirmed Labour’s daunting target of building 1.5 million homes.
