A tenant advocacy group, Generation Rent, has proposed new measures that would empower renters to reclaim rent if their landlord fails to meet the government’s upcoming energy performance certificate (EPC) standards. These proposals come amid the government’s commitment that all private rented properties must achieve at least EPC C by 2030.

Generation Rent’s proposals for tenant protections

Generation Rent’s report, Raising Standards, Not Rents, outlines several policy recommendations aimed at ensuring landlords comply with the new energy efficiency requirements. The group argues that landlord lobbyists have historically opposed energy efficiency targets, often citing concerns about increased costs and rent hikes following retrofit work.

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, emphasised the importance of balancing social justice with climate change objectives. He said: “Improving the energy efficiency of private rented homes therefore sits at the intersection of social justice and climate change. If the government chooses to leave renters vulnerable to sudden, unaffordable rent increases, it will only add weight to these criticisms.”

Twomey further suggested that sensible protections could allow tenants to benefit from warmer homes and lower energy bills without facing excessive rent rises. “This will show unequivocally that social justice and climate change policies can work side by side, directly benefitting the day-to-day lives of working people, while helping to lower emissions and protect our planet.”

Rent repayment orders and eviction safeguards

Among the key proposals is the introduction of a rent repayment order mechanism, enabling tenants to reclaim rent if their property fails to meet EPC C standards from 2030 onwards. Generation Rent believes this would incentivise landlords to comply and ease the burden on local council enforcement teams.

The group also calls for improved tenant awareness regarding minimum energy efficiency standards and the circumstances under which tenants might challenge rent increases, particularly where the property’s quality is substandard. They urge the government to prevent landlords from pressuring tenants into applying for exemptions from the standards.

Generation Rent recommends the publication of comprehensive guidance for both tenants and landlords, clarifying rights, obligations, and available recourse in the event of disputes. Additional suggestions include increased funding for councils to enforce the new standards and the introduction of a protected eviction period following government-funded retrofit work.

Challenges for landlords in meeting EPC C targets

While Generation Rent’s proposals focus on tenant protections, the group acknowledges the significant challenges landlords face in upgrading properties, especially older and harder-to-treat homes. Industry experts have expressed concern over the government’s EPC C deadline, citing a lack of clear, long-term funding and realistic timelines.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, commented: “While the ambition of the Warm Homes Plan to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty is acknowledged, the proposals as they stand are deeply concerning for landlords and agents across both the residential and commercial sectors.”

He added that landlords are expected to deliver substantial and costly upgrades without sufficient financial support or flexibility, which could prove particularly problematic for complex properties.

What this means for landlords

Landlords must prepare for the forthcoming EPC C requirement by 2030, recognising the potential financial and logistical challenges involved in upgrading properties. The prospect of rent repayment orders introduces a new compliance risk, underscoring the importance of meeting energy efficiency standards to avoid tenant claims.

Moreover, the call for clearer government guidance and enhanced enforcement funding signals that landlords will face increased scrutiny. Those planning retrofit works may also benefit from protections against eviction pressures, provided the government adopts Generation Rent’s recommendations.

Overall, landlords should engage proactively with these evolving regulations, balancing investment in energy efficiency with tenant relations and legal compliance.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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