A legal firm says it welcomes government proposals to upgrade the metrics and methodology behind Energy Performance Certificates – but it wants care to be taken in terms of timings for landlords.

The Osborne Clarke law firm writes on its website that the government is likely to report on a consultation about the future of EPCs and how to improve their accuracy, probably in the second half of 2026.

Osborne Clarke says it welcomes this in principle, as there is growing concern about EPC accuracy. It cites a recent Which? report saying: “There is substantial evidence that the metrics and information in many EPCs may be misleading, and homeowners, tenants, landlords and policy makers could be making decisions based on inaccurate information.”

But the law firm suggests that care needs to be taken as to the timing of future government policy.

It says: “While this consultation focuses on measurement and enforcement, we are also expecting an update from the government on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards that buildings need to achieve in order to be let. 

“It is anticipated that as part of the government’s Warm Homes Plan a new target date of 2030 will be set for homes in the private rental sector to achieve a minimum EPC C rating … The relationship between adjusting the metrics used to measure a building’s energy efficiency and the minimum standards that must be achieved before that building can be let must be taken into account by the government in connection with reform. 

“Landlords in both the domestic and non-domestic sectors will need sufficient time to prepare for and adjust to any proposed changes.”