Not for the first time, plans to tighten MEES in privately rented homes have been delayed. Earlier this year, the government confirmed that the requirement for rental homes to achieve an EPC rating of C would be pushed back from 2028, with 2030 now the target date for implementation for both new and existing tenancies.

The government is also reforming the EPC system itself. Future EPCs are expected to include a wider range of measures beyond today’s single headline rating, while a new assessment methodology known as the Home Energy Model (HEM) is being developed to underpin the changes. That was originally expected to launch in 2026 but is now anticipated in the second half of 2027.

Together, these changes shift the timeline, which is welcome while landlords are getting to grips with the Renters’ Rights Act and a more uncertain mortgage rate environment.

But the delays don’t change the longer-term objective of improving the energy performance of rented homes. The practical effect is simply that landlords have more time to plan.

For some landlords, the obvious response to another delay will be to sit tight. And that’s understandable. They want to see the rules set in stone before spending money on their property. However, leaving improvements until closer to the deadline brings its own challenges.

As 2030 approaches, demand for retrofit work is likely to increase, making it harder to secure tradespeople and EPC assessors, while also pushing up costs.

Landlords who start planning earlier will have more choices and flexibility. They can spread improvements over time and coordinate upgrades to be done in the gaps between tenancies and alongside other property maintenance work. Many upgrades, such as insulation improvements, heating system replacements or electrical upgrades, are easier when a property is empty. Trying to do these jobs with a tenant in place could be disruptive and difficult.

To complicate matters for landlords, the delay to MEES tightening is happening in the context of sweeping changes to the EPC framework itself.

The government is developing the new HEM, which will replace the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) as the way we measure the energy performance of homes. Rather than relying on a single Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), the new framework will assess homes across energy costs, fabric performance, heating systems and smart readiness.

This should provide a broader, more accurate picture of a property’s energy performance, but it does introduce more uncertainty in the short term.

It’s clear to see why some landlords will be tempted to wait until the proposals are clearer before investing in their property.

However, others might prefer to plan improvements under the current framework. The government has said that properties with a current EPC C will be recognised as compliant under the future standard until the EPC expires. This includes private rented homes graded C or above against the EER on EPCs before 1 October 2029.

As EPCs are valid for 10 years, this gives landlords who achieve EPC C under the current rules certainty and breathing space while the new system beds in.

As the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, brokers have an important role to play in helping landlord clients navigate these decisions.

Understanding policy changes, timelines and the practicalities of energy upgrades can help landlords plan with greater confidence. Signpost them to the latest announcements and government responses for accurate information, including:

• Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes – 2026 government consultation response
• Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime – 2026 partial government response
• The Home Energy Model Consultation – 2025 government response

Help your clients to understand their options when it comes to funding property improvements, from grants to green mortgages. BM Solutions’ Sustainability Hub is a good place to start.

For many landlords, energy efficiency is no longer just about complying with future rules. It’s becoming part of a bigger conversation about where they want their portfolio to be in five or 10 years’ time. Whether it’s the Renters’ Rights Act, Making Tax Digital or future energy standards, your clients need to think further ahead than they did in the past.

Upgrades can be expensive, but they can also make properties more attractive to tenants and help protect future value. The landlords likely to be in the strongest position are those making a plan now, not waiting until the deadline is in sight.

For the use of mortgage intermediaries and other professionals only.

The information contained in this article is the property of Lloyds Banking Group plc and may not be reused or publicised without our prior permission. The information provided is intended to be for information only and is not intended to be relied upon. This information is correct as of July 2026 and is relevant to Birmingham Midshires products and services only. If you do not have professional experience, you should not rely on the information contained in this communication. If you are a professional and you reproduce any part of the information contained in this communication, to be used with or to advise private clients, you must ensure it conforms to the Financial Conduct Authority’s advising and selling rules. Birmingham Midshires is a division of Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628