## Older Renters’ Fears Over EPC C Compliance

The UK government has announced that all private rented properties must achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. While this aims to improve energy efficiency across the sector, a recent report from Independent Age reveals significant anxiety among older tenants. According to their research, 63% of older renters worry about potential rent increases, and 35% fear eviction if landlords carry out improvement works to meet these new standards.

## Challenges Faced by Older Private Renters

Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, emphasises the vulnerability of older renters, who often live in the oldest and coldest homes. She notes, “Older private renters often live in the oldest, coldest homes, and coupled with this, are a group more likely to be in poverty. Staying warm is especially important as we age but heating a home which isn’t energy efficient can feel like throwing money down the drain.” The report highlights that many older tenants experience cold walls, energy debt fears, and even skip meals to manage heating costs.

## Impact of Disruption and Need for Tenant Protections

While 74% of older tenants are willing to tolerate some disruption to improve their home’s energy efficiency, many remain nervous about the upheaval such works might cause. Independent Age calls on the government to ensure that any financial support for energy efficiency improvements is linked to protections for older renters. These protections should include safeguards against excessive rent hikes and eviction risks following improvements.

## Collaboration Between Landlords and Tenants

The charity stresses the importance of landlords and tenants working together on improvement plans. They recommend making allowances to help older renters remain in their homes during and after works. Where remaining in situ is not feasible, financial support should be available to cover temporary relocation costs. This collaborative approach is vital to balance the need for energy upgrades with the wellbeing of vulnerable tenants.

## Funding and Standards Alignment

Independent Age also points out the need for increased funding to address poor housing conditions and calls for alignment of housing standards to support energy efficiency upgrades. For landlords and agents, this signals a potential increase in available resources but also a responsibility to ensure compliance while protecting tenant rights.

## What This Means for Landlords and Agents

Landlords managing properties with older tenants should be mindful of the concerns raised by Independent Age. As EPC C targets approach, clear communication and cooperation with tenants will be essential to minimise disruption and avoid disputes. Offering reassurances about rent stability and eviction protections may help alleviate tenant fears. Additionally, planning for possible temporary relocations and seeking available grants or loans linked to tenant safeguards could facilitate smoother improvements.

Suggested internal link anchors
– EPC C targets
– energy efficiency improvements
– private rented sector
– rent increases
– eviction protections
– tenant collaboration
– funding for housing upgrades
– older renters
– landlord responsibilities
– temporary relocation support
– energy debt concerns
– housing standards alignment

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/