More funding and more time: How you can get behind the NRLA’s energy efficiency campaign

As part of our campaign to convince the Government to rethink its energy efficiency plans, we are asking you to add your voice to our calls. NRLA chief innovation officer and Safe2 founder James Kent explains more.  

Earlier this year, the Government announced it was consulting on proposals to change the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES), in England and Wales, with new tenancies expected to have an EPC rating of C by 2028 and existing tenancies by 2030. 

Under the plans a massive 2.5million rented homes in England and Wales will require work with landlords needing to fork out £15,000 per property for improvements. 

We believe this timescale to be completely unrealistic and want the Government to go back to the drawing board to come up with a phased timescale for implementation, as well as a comprehensive funding package for the scheme. 

As part of this lobbying work, we are now asking you to write to your MP or MS to explain the potential impact of the changes on you and your business. 

Don’t get me wrong, we recognise the importance of improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector (PRS), however such widespread change will take time. 

As it stands, the Government is planning to introduce  the regulations in late 2026, leaving landlords with less than 18 months to assess, secure funding, complete upgrades and obtain a new EPC. 

Without this, landlords will be unable to legally let out the homes. 

To put this into context, it would mean that around 5,000 homes per day would need to be retrofitted to hit the deadline. 

This would be virtually impossible at the best of times, but with the country currently experiencing a 166,000 shortfall in skilled tradespeople, it’s nothing short of pie in the sky. 

Writing directly to your MP as a constituent is a powerful and effective lobbying tool. Your MP has an obligation to read what you send them and reply to all reasonable requests, so letting them know what you think is worthwhile. 

 MPs have revealed that a personalised letter from a dedicated and passionate constituent carries far more weight than identical mass template letters, which is why writing a letter that incorporates your personal experiences as a landlord can be really useful. 

In addition to sharing your own experiences, and the impact the changes are likely to have, you can share our calls for:  

• Clear information on the new standards 

• Detailed guidance on required upgrade measures 

• A package of financial support 

• Increased availability of qualified tradespeople 

There are number of ways this can be done. Whether you write them a letter, email, contact them via social media or meet them in person, its vital you add your voice to the campaign to help bring about positive change. You can find details of your local member contacts here. 

You can find more information on how to write to your MP by accessing our complete guide here. 

To know more about the Government’s latest proposals, click here and to access our energy efficiency hub click here. 

Our policy and campaigns team has also put together a comprehensive infographic to help you when submitting your letter to your MP/MS. 

This includes all the key arguments from the NRLA and the data, facts and figures to support them. It also includes links that will allow you to identify your MP or MS and letter templates to help you construct your response.  

Working together we have the opportunity to bring about positive change to ensure that when the new rules are  introduced, they are fair, workable and affordable, so write to your MP, or MS,  today and help us to help you.