Rental homes empty because of cost of EPC improvements

Conservative MP Greg Smith claims that properties are being left empty because owners cannot afford to improve their energy efficiency to meet new government targets. The government plans to require rental homes to have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030, with landlords expected to pay up to £15,000 per property for improvements.

Smith highlighted that individual private landlords and organizations like the National Trust and Abbeyfield are struggling to afford these upgrades, leading to properties being left empty and displacing residents. He urged the government to provide funding for landlords.

Junior housing minister Rushanara Ali responded by emphasizing the benefits of raising standards in the private rented sector, which could lift up to 550,000 people out of fuel poverty. She mentioned various schemes to support landlords, including the boiler upgrade scheme, and stressed the importance of balancing new regulations with support for landlords. Ali also noted that 13% of households in England are in fuel poverty and criticized the previous Conservative government for high household bills. She concluded by highlighting the potential benefits of property improvements for both property value and tenant attractiveness.