NRLA calls for clear energy efficiency roadmap and support for landlords

NRLA calls for clear energy efficiency roadmap and support for landlords

The National Residential Landlords Association and partners urge the government to publish a detailed plan for energy efficiency reforms, highlighting five key demands to help landlords meet upcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), together with the Energy Saving Trust and a coalition of organisations, has called on the UK government to provide a clear and comprehensive roadmap for energy efficiency reforms in the private rented sector. This comes as the government’s Warm Homes Plan and revised Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) approach offer some clarity, but uncertainty remains with the 2030 deadline for improved standards approaching.

The briefing, published in late September 2026, stresses that ambition alone will not achieve the goals of warmer homes, reduced energy bills, and improved living conditions for tenants. It warns that without a clear plan, landlords may delay necessary investments, creating bottlenecks in supply chains, installer availability, and enforcement capacity as the deadline nears.

Five demands to support landlords in meeting energy efficiency standards

The coalition’s briefing outlines five essential areas where government action is needed to enable landlords to comply with upcoming MEES requirements effectively:

1. Greater installer and skills capacity: The government must provide certainty about future demand to encourage investment in training and apprenticeships for tradespeople. Enhanced quality assurance is also needed to ensure retrofit work meets consistent high standards.
2. Practical and accessible finance: Collaboration with lenders and the wider sector is required to facilitate early investment by landlords. Publicly funded improvements should be structured to deliver fair outcomes for tenants, avoiding unintended financial burdens.
3. Clear and trusted advice: The proposed Warm Homes Agency should serve as a national, impartial source of tailored information for landlords and tenants, working alongside existing advice services to provide consistent guidance.
4. Stronger enforcement and consumer protection: Simplified complaint and redress mechanisms are necessary, supported by adequately resourced local authorities capable of enforcing standards effectively.
5. Tenant engagement and protection: Communication and support must be tailored, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older or disabled tenants and those at risk of fuel poverty, ensuring they understand and benefit from improvements.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle emphasised the urgency of preparing for the 2030 deadline, stating that while the government’s recent framework changes have improved the situation, the focus must now be on delivery. He highlighted the need for certainty about requirements, availability of skilled tradespeople, accessible finance, and reliable advice for landlords and tenants alike.

Context of energy efficiency regulation in the private rented sector

The UK government has progressively tightened energy efficiency requirements for private rented properties, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve tenant living conditions. MEES regulations currently require rental properties to meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, with plans to raise these standards further by 2030.

However, the private rented sector faces challenges including the scale of retrofitting needed, costs involved, and the capacity of the supply chain to deliver improvements. Previous deadlines have seen delays and exemptions applied, reflecting the complexity of enforcing standards without adequate support.

The Warm Homes Plan, published earlier in 2026, set out a strategic approach to address fuel poverty and energy efficiency but has been criticised for lacking detailed implementation guidance specific to landlords. The NRLA and partners are advocating for a more coordinated approach that aligns MEES with other reforms such as EPC updates, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and financial incentives.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Landlords with portfolios of private rented properties must begin assessing their properties’ current energy performance and plan for necessary upgrades well before the 2030 deadline. Delaying action risks facing a surge in demand for installers and materials, potentially increasing costs and causing scheduling difficulties.

Letting agents advising landlords should monitor developments closely and encourage early engagement with retrofit specialists and financial advisors to explore funding options. Clear communication with tenants about planned improvements and potential impacts on rent or tenancy terms will also be important to maintain good landlord-tenant relations.

Furthermore, landlords should verify that any retrofit work complies with quality assurance standards to avoid future enforcement issues and ensure the intended energy savings are realised. Keeping thorough records of inspections, improvements, and communications will support compliance and dispute resolution.

Remaining uncertainties and what to watch

While the briefing calls for a government roadmap, the exact details of how MEES will integrate with other reforms remain unclear. The scope of exemptions, enforcement protocols, and the design of financial support schemes are yet to be fully defined. Landlords should watch for official announcements and updated guidance to understand their obligations and available assistance.

The capacity of the installer market to scale up training and apprenticeships is also uncertain, as is the effectiveness of the proposed Warm Homes Agency in delivering consistent advice. Local authorities’ resourcing for enforcement may vary regionally, affecting compliance monitoring.

Changes in political priorities or economic conditions could also influence the pace and nature of reforms. Landlords and agents should stay informed through trusted industry sources and official channels to adapt their strategies accordingly.

What landlords should consider now

• Conduct energy performance assessments of rental properties to identify necessary improvements.
• Engage early with qualified installers and retrofit professionals to plan upgrades and understand timelines.
• Explore financing options, including government schemes and lender products, to support investment in energy efficiency.
• Communicate proactively with tenants about planned works, potential benefits, and any temporary disruptions.
• Keep detailed records of all compliance-related activities, including EPCs, improvement works, and tenant communications.
• Monitor government announcements and industry updates to stay ahead of regulatory changes and enforcement expectations.

Supporting landlords with energy efficiency compliance

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership resources to help landlords and letting agents prepare for evolving energy efficiency requirements. Members can access compliance guides, document templates, and expert advice tailored to the private rented sector. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, assists landlords in organising property records, managing retrofit documentation, and tracking compliance activities. ORBIT also provides access to TLA’s compliance resources and a property management AI assistant to support decision-making.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can help landlords stay organised and informed as energy efficiency regulations develop, ensuring they meet obligations while maintaining tenant satisfaction.

Landlords should continue to review their portfolios and seek professional advice to ensure they are ready for the demands of energy efficiency reforms over the coming years.

Sources: Landlord Today