Government plans to improve the energy efficiency of private rented housing are unachievable.

That’s the warning from the National Residential Landlords Association. 

It says government proposals currently under consideration could result in private landlords having less than two years to upgrade 2.5m private rented homes.

Proposals set out in a recent consultation seek to ensure that, wherever possible, every privately rented home should have an energy efficiency rating of at least a C. 

Under the suggested timelines, the new energy efficiency standard will be confirmed in late 2026, with a view to it applying to all new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030.

This could leave less than two years to upgrade over 2.5m private rented homes that do not meet the current energy performance ‘C’ standard.

Whilst the NRLA says it supports the objectives, it insists the timelines proposed are simply unrealistic. This is largely due to a chronic shortage of tradespeople to undertake the work required, which is set to get worse.

According to Kingfisher group – the owner of Screwfix, B&Q and Tradepoint – the shortfall in the number of skilled tradespeople in the UK is set to rise to 250,000 by 2030.

The NRLA says ministers are yet to explain how these extensive works are to be funded and it claims the government has so far failed to heed advice from the Committee on Fuel Poverty, which has called for the introduction of a bespoke package to support investment in energy efficiency works across the market.

In its submission to the consultation, the National Residential Landlords Association calls for a realistic, two stage implementation plan. It proposes that:

• By 2030, landlords should be required to meet standards related to the fabric of a building, such as installing insulation where possible and required;

• By 2036, all landlords should then meet further secondary standards related to the installation of smart meters and efficient heating systems.

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “We want all private rented properties to be as energy efficient as possible. However, tenants are being sold a pup with timelines that are hopelessly unrealistic.

“The idea that millions of homes can be retrofitted in less than two years is detached from all reality, not least given the chronic shortage of tradespeople the sector needs to get the work done.

“Noble ambitions mean little without practical and realistic policy to match.”