There has been a lot of discussion recently about energy efficiency rules for rental properties. EPC reform and the government’s Warm Homes Plan are often mentioned separately, which can make things sound more complicated than they really are.
In practice, they are closely linked. One changes how energy performance is assessed, and the other sets out when higher standards will apply. Understanding how they fit together makes it much easier to plan calmly and sensibly.
The government has set out plans to update Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) so that they give a more accurate picture of how a home performs. Rather than focusing on a single headline rating, future EPCs will break performance down into separate areas such as the cost of energy, the condition of the building, the heating system and how suitable the property is for smart technology.
The aim is to move away from quick fixes that improve a score on paper but make little difference in reality. Instead, EPCs should help landlords see where improvements will actually reduce bills and improve comfort.
Importantly, existing EPCs will remain valid for their full ten-year lifespan. Landlords will only move onto the new format when a new EPC is required. Some landlords may choose to commission an EPC earlier, purely to understand their starting point and plan improvements at their own pace.
The government’s EPC reform consultation response
The Warm Homes Plan and what it means for landlords?
Alongside EPC reform, the government has published its Warm Homes Plan, which sets out how higher energy standards will apply to rented homes.
The most helpful change for landlords is the move to a single, clear deadline. The government has confirmed the intention is for all private rented properties to meet the standard by October 2030, replacing earlier proposals that included a shorter interim deadline. This allows landlords more time to plan and spread costs.
The Warm Homes Plan also introduces clearer financial limits. The maximum amount landlords are expected to invest has been reduced to £10,000, with lower caps where that figure would represent a high proportion of the property’s value. The government has indicated that certain energy efficiency improvements completed from late 2025 onwards may count toward the proposed spending cap.
Support may be available through existing grant schemes and low-carbon heating support, depending on eligibility and funding at the time of application.
Why this doesn’t need to be a last-minute rush?
From our experience, problems tend to arise when landlords are forced into rushed decisions. When deadlines are tight, contractor availability is limited and costs often increase.
Planning early gives landlords far more control. It allows improvements to be spread over time, avoids unnecessary disruption to tenancies and ensures money is spent where it actually adds value. It also helps keep properties competitive in a market where tenants are increasingly aware of running costs and comfort.
Energy-efficient homes are already easier to let and retain tenants. That gap is likely to widen over the coming years.
Energy efficiency standards for rental properties are clearly moving in one direction, but the timeline is longer and more flexible than many headlines suggest. Landlords who take time to understand the changes and plan ahead will be in a far stronger position than those who wait until the last moment.
If you’d like to discuss how these changes affect your property or portfolio, the team at Address Properties is always happy to help.
How Address Properties helps?
At Address Properties, our role is to support landlords through changes like this in a practical, straightforward way. We don’t believe in pushing landlords into work that isn’t needed. Instead, we focus on helping you understand what applies to your property and when.
That might involve talking through an EPC, highlighting sensible improvement options or helping you plan work around tenancies. As guidance continues to develop, we keep our landlords informed so there are no surprises.
If you have any questions about EPCs or upcoming energy requirements, please get in touch with Address Properties for clear, practical advice.
Disclaimer : As with any government policy, these changes are still subject to further consultation, final guidance and legislation. Timelines and requirements may evolve as the new EPC framework is introduced, so landlords should treat current information as guidance and keep an eye on updates over the next few years.