Phil Cooper, lettings partner at Arnolds Keys, believes the possible EPC respite is no reason to kick the energy efficiency can down the road.

Although it has not been officially announced, informed media reports suggest that the plan to enforce a minimum ‘C’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for all new tenancies from April 2025 is going to be pushed back until 2028 – offering landlords a three-year breathing space to make improvements to their properties.

The move seems to have resulted from fears that many landlords will simply sell up and leave the sector rather than face huge bills to bring their properties up to the higher environmental standard, exacerbating the existing chronic shortage in the private rental market.

Eastern Daily Press: Renters are becoming more aware of EPC ratings, says Mr CooperRenters are becoming more aware of EPC ratings, says Mr Cooper (Image: Getty Images)

But it’s certain that the rule will eventually be enforced, so this could be seen as a case of simply kicking the can down the road.

Since April 2020, all rented properties have had to have an EPC rating of ‘E’ or above. It was proposed that this rating would become a ‘C’ for all new tenancies in 2025, and for all existing tenancies by 2028. Now it seems that the 2028 date will be the one which applies to all tenancies.

Until now it has largely been legislation which has been driving change. However, with energy prices soaring in the past 12 months, prospective tenants are paying more attention to the energy efficiency of the home they plan to rent.

In short, it is no longer just the level of rent which they will take into account when assessing the affordability of a rented home, but the cost of heating it as well.

Eastern Daily Press: New regulations, expected to be delayed, will mean that tenanted properties will need a minimum EPC rating of 'C'New regulations, expected to be delayed, will mean that tenanted properties will need a minimum EPC rating of 'C' (Image: Getty Images)

What does this mean for landlords? Well, it would be prudent for them not to wait another five years to bring forward any improvements to the energy efficiency of their properties.

EPC ratings are already a legal part of advertisements for rented properties, and tenants are starting to take a lot more notice of them. 

The message is clear: don’t wait for the (now extended) deadline before making improvements.

With the ‘cliff edge’ no longer imminent, the cost of improvements may not be quite so high; wait until the 2028 deadline and you will once again be in a queue for contractors who will feel able to charge whatever they feel like.

For more information, visit arnoldskeys.com