The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says the latest delay regarding EPCs “prolongs the uncertainty” for private landlords.
The government last week revealed that the reform of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system would not happen as promised later this year, but would instead by in the second half of 2027.
The reform is likely to make fundamental changes to the ways EPCs are assessed.
However, this one year delay does not change the timeline for the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which will impose new requirements on landlords from October 2030.
A statement from the NRLA says the delays “prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the system’s future, which may undermine landlords’ confidence in when to start the upgrades.”
Critically, it means that landlords upgrading their properties to achieve the C rating required under MEES, cannot be guaranteed that the work will be adequate to meet a C standard under the reformed framework.
The association advises: “If your EPC expires before 2030, it may be worth considering renewing your certificate to ensure you have some extra time ahead to prepare, even when the new system is in place.“
The NRLA guide for landlords continues:
“Where possible, starting with fabric improvements may be a sensible approach. The Government has indicated that the fabric element of the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) calculation is likely to remain broadly similar in the new framework.
“In addition, any upgrade costs incurred from October last year will count towards the future cost cap. This means that landlords who carry out improvements now may already be making progress towards meeting future regulatory requirements.
“If you are considering improvements, speaking with an EPC assessor and reviewing the recommendations in your certificate can help you identify the most effective steps to take.
“We know that continued delays only prolong uncertainty for landlords who want to invest in improving their properties but still lack clarity about the standards they will ultimately be expected to meet.
“While properties with an EPC C are probably in a better position, while waiting for clear guidance, you should start reviewing your certificates, verify that upgrades are well-documented, and explore additional improvements where possible.”
