The government are now considering that all rental properties will need to hit an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC C or above by 2028
There is growing speculation that the deadline for landlords to meet new minimum energy efficiency standards for new tenants will be extended until 2028, and will now apply to all rental properties. Landlords failing to comply will face a fine of up to £30,000.
During the tail end of 2021, the government consulted on a tightening of the rules which would require landlords to ensure all their properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C, rather than the current rating of E.
Under the original proposals, the change would be enforced from April 2025 for new tenancies and from April 2028 for existing tenancies.
But with no major update since the consultation ended two years ago, The Telegraph reports that the 2025 date will be dropped, and replaced with a new deadline of 2028, giving landlords an extra three years to raise the ratings where needed.
Once implemented, up to two million landlords could reportedly be faced with having to increase the EPC rating.
Although nothing has yet been confirmed, it is thought the news could be officially revealed as soon as today, which happens to be ‘Energy Security Day’.