Rental homes could be lost without energy efficiency cash
Vital rental homes could be lost if ambitious new energy efficiency rules are brought in by the Government, the NRLA has warned.
While the association backs plans to reduce carbon in homes and improve energy efficiency in the sector, it says landlords will need support or they could take properties off the rental market altogether.
It is now asking for a financial package for those landlords facing the biggest challenges.
The Government launched a consultation on plans to introduce a minimum EPC of a C by 2025 back in September at the same time it announced its Green Grants Scheme, offering landlords grants of up to £5,000 to carry out improvement works.
In its response the NRLA has warned the Government it should not adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach– and that there will different challenges facing landlords depending on the type of rental they own.
There are fears that in post-industrial communities, where traditionally properties are older and have low market values, that the price of works could be prohibitive, with the proposed cap on spend increasing from £3,500 to £10,000.
The association says these landlords in particular need help if the Government does not want the size of the sector to shrink.
John Stewart, deputy director for policy and research for the NRLA said: “While we broadly support plans to improve energy efficiency in the nation’s housing stock we believe the Government needs to give more thought to the unique challenges faced by landlords.
“Landlords in areas where property values are low and homes are older could decide to leave the sector altogether rather than fund expensive improvements.
“As lower property values correlate with lower rents this could have a disproportionate impact on more vulnerable tenants with fewer options when it comes to finding somewhere to live.
“With this in mind, we believe that grant funding should be made available to help tackle these properties, keep tenants in their homes and maintain communities.”
In the response, submitted ahead of the December 30 deadline, the NRLA has also asked for more detail on the methodology used to come to the price cap of £10,000 and clarity on what the government’s long-term aims are, to allow landlords to plan appropriately.
The association also used the document to reject the Government’s proposal for a PRS EPC exemptions database – which landlords would need to pay to be added to – on the basis the Ministry for Communities Housing and Local Government MHCLG, already has one covering all tenures.
More information
To find out more about Green Homes Grants and how to access them click here.
To document read the consultation response in full click the button below.
2020-12-11 MEES consultation
Last updated: 21/12/2020 at 16:20 - 386.53 KB
