The organisations warned that greater certainty is needed to meet proposed 2030 standards.
A joint briefing, published following a parliamentary roundtable chaired by Clive Betts MP, welcomed the direction set out in the government’s Warm Homes Plan and revised approach to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
However, it said that, with the deadline only four years away, “ambition alone will not deliver warmer homes, lower bills and better living conditions for tenants”.
The organisations said a clear implementation plan was needed to explain how MEES reforms would work alongside changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), property exemptions, enforcement and financial support.
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Landlords want to provide homes fit for the future
The briefing warned that continued uncertainty could lead landlords to delay investment until closer to the deadline, potentially creating pressure for installers, supply chains and enforcement bodies later in the decade.
It also called for greater installer capacity, practical finance options for landlords, stronger enforcement, clearer advice and tailored support for tenants.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “Landlords want to provide homes that are warmer, cheaper to heat and fit for the future. Whilst the changes announced by the government earlier this year have made the proposed framework more workable, the focus now needs to be on making sure it can actually be delivered.”
He added that landlords, installers, lenders, local authorities and tenants needed to start preparing now, with “urgent certainty” over requirements, finance and advice.
Support for both landlords and tenants
Stew Horne, group head of sector intelligence and external affairs at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “New energy-efficiency standards for the private rented sector are an important step towards upgrading privately rented homes to make them warmer and more efficient for renters.”
He added: “To ensure successful delivery of these standards, it is essential that the right support is in place for both landlords and tenants.”
Clive Betts MP said improving the energy efficiency of rented homes was a key part of the government’s efforts to tackle cost-of-living pressures and improve housing standards.
“Ministers now need to turn welcome ambitions into reality on the ground. The proposals being published today would achieve that and I urge the government to take the recommendations seriously,” he said.
