Demands for ever-more energy efficient properties could drive landlords out of the sector, the government has been warned.
In a response to a government consultation on the subject, the National Residential Landlords Association backs plans to reduce carbon in homes and improve energy efficiency in the sector, but insists landlords will need support to achieve official targets.
The NRLA is now asking for a financial package for those landlords facing the biggest challenges.
The government wants to introduce a minimum EPC of a C by 2025; the association worries that this could cost well above government estimates of £3,500 to £10,000 depending on circumstances.
John Stewart, deputy director for policy and research for the NRLA, says: “While we broadly support plans to improve energy efficiency in the nation’s housing stock we believe the government needs to give more thought to the unique challenges faced by landlords.
“Landlords in areas where property values are low and homes are older could decide to leave the sector altogether rather than fund expensive improvements.
“As lower property values correlate with lower rents this could have a disproportionate impact on more vulnerable tenants with fewer options when it comes to finding somewhere to live.
“With this in mind, we believe that grant funding should be made available to help tackle these properties, keep tenants in their homes and maintain communities.”
The NRLA also asks for for more detail on the methodology used to come to the price cap of £10,000 and clarity on what the government’s long-term aims are, to allow landlords to plan appropriately.
