It appears the proposals to increase the minimum EPC level of private rental housing is hitting another part of the economy – farming.

The government is consulting on changes which will affect the future of Energy Performance Certificates for those renting out agricultural worker cottages. 

Since April 2020, all privately rented homes in England and Wales have been required to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard of EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) E before they can be let, and landlords are required to invest up to a maximum of £3,500 per property unless a valid exemption applies.

The government is now consulting on measures to raise energy efficiency standards in the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 also known as the PRS regulations. The new requirements will apply to agricultural worker cottages and those where tenants are protected under the Rent Agriculture Act 1976.

The National Farmers’ Union is now seeking public comments about the requirements, with members asked to give responses here, which will go on to form the NFU’s official response to the consultation.