The government is being lobbied to ensure new energy efficiency targets for the private rental sector are strong enough to help older tenants.

Independent Age, a charity supporting older people on a low income, has set out recommendations on how the government should “get Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards right” with a “tenant-centred approach”.

The UK government’s Warm Home Plan commits to new MEES for the private rental sector in England and Wales, rising from a minimum of an energy performance certificate of E or above to a C or above. 

This plan will mean a large proportion of PRS homes will need improving to meet the new standards.

The charity identified the potential for MEES to benefit older renters’ lives but also the risk that they could face disruptive works that could leave them worse off, potentially facing higher bills, rent hikes or even eviction.

Independent Age says its study shows that 63% of older tenants would be worried about a rent increase and 35% would be worried about eviction if their landlord wanted to undertake work to improve the condition and energy efficiency of their home.

Only one in four (25%) of tenants know the EPC rating of their home, while almost half (47%) of older tenants wouldn’t feel confident reporting an issue about the condition of their home to their local authority.

Its recommendations set out how concerns highlighted during the research can be mitigated against.

Joining the dots: Independent Age recommends that the UK Government should make sure that the Decent Homes Standard and MEES are aligned on objectives and timing and that grants are provided to tackle poor housing conditions where they are a barrier to energyimprovements. 

A tenant-centred process: The charity recommends that assessments should consider the most appropriate efficiency solutions for older people, and that landlords and tradespeople should work with tenants to ensure they agree the workplan and that allowances are made for older renters to stay in their home. 

Guidance and support: Independent Age recommends that in addition to the Warm Homes Agency there must be a focus on providing local advice, and that MEES guidance is set out for both landlords and tenants. 

Strengthening protections and enforcement: The charity recommends that tenants should be protected from excessive rent increases and evictions with this being a condition of grants and loans for energy efficiency improvements. Older renters must have the right to refuse works and local authorities and the PRS Ombudsman must be given the resources to enforce standards.