Warm Home Plan sets EPC C deadline deferred to 2030

The government has scrapped its original 2028 deadline for new tenancies to meet EPC C requirements and unveiled its Warm Homes Plan, which introduces new minimum energy‑efficiency standards for rental properties. While the cost cap for improvement works has been reduced, landlords will now be required to ensure all private rented homes reach EPC C by October 2030.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the reforms will “call time on landlords who don’t meet energy‑efficiency standards,” but industry leaders warn the changes pose major financial and practical challenges.

EPC C requirement for all rentals by 2030

The Warm Homes Plan confirms that all private rented properties must achieve EPC C by October 2030 unless they qualify for an exemption.

Under the updated framework:

• Landlords may comply using either the smart or heat metric.
• The maximum spend required will fall from £15,000 to £10,000.
• A lower cap will apply where £10,000 represents 10% or more of the property’s value.
• Any eligible work carried out since October 2024 will count towards the spending limit.
• Further support will be available through Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grants and other financing options.

Industry warns of high costs and limited support

Despite ministerial reassurances, many sector experts have described the proposals as “deeply concerning.” Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, warned that landlords face substantial upgrades without adequate long‑term funding or flexibility.

Douglas argued that meeting EPC C within the next six years will be particularly difficult for older, complex, or hard‑to‑treat properties, adding that a “phased and realistic approach” is needed to prevent landlords from being overwhelmed by costs.

Propertymark has repeatedly said that a one‑size‑fits‑all model for energy efficiency is unworkable and risks pushing landlords out of the market. They warn that a reduced supply of rental homes, could drive up tenant costs and run counter to the government’s policy objectives.

Commercial sector “left in the dark”

Concerns have also been raised about the absence of clarity on energy‑efficiency rules for commercial buildings. Commercial landlords are still expected to reach EPC B by 2030, yet there has been no detail on interim milestones, exemptions, financial assistance, or how the regime will be enforced.

Rob Wall, Assistant Director for Sustainability at the British Property Federation, welcomed renewed clarity for domestic EPC rules but called the 2030 deadline “still unrealistic.” He criticised the lack of attention given to commercial properties, warning that further delays could damage investment confidence and harm the UK’s competitiveness.

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