Propertymark comments on energy efficiency in the Private Rented Sector

Propertymark comments on energy efficiency within the private rented sector, following Office of National Statistics energy efficiency figures publication.

Timothy Douglas, Policy Manager at Propertymark, comments:

“It is now well over twelve months since all properties rented on a relevant tenancy in the private rented sector in England and Wales must meet the EPC band E rating, so it is good to see letting agents and landlords meeting the requirements and adhering to the rules – everyone wants to see rented property that is safe, secure and warm. However, the UK Government’s latest proposals for EPC band C presents a much tougher challenge for many properties across the country.

“It is of no surprise that social rented dwellings are more energy efficient because the social rented sector has received significantly more funding to improve energy efficiency than the private rented sector, despite being the smallest housing tenure in England.

“The private rented sector plays a crucial role in providing 4.4 million households a home in England alone and if the UK Government wants to see like-for-like improvements across the board and achieve their ambitious targets, then increased funding and resources need to be diverted from social rented housing to the private rented sector.

“With the wide range of property types in the private rented sector and proposals for a £10,000 cost cap, landlords across the country are being presented with financial and practical challenges, which if not tackled, could result in a reduction in supply and landlords exiting the market.”

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