Private Rental EPC Targets: Bank Urges a Rethink – Implications for Letting Agents

The Push for Higher EPC Standards

Specialist lenders and property professionals are urging the government to adopt a phased approach when introducing stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements in the private rented sector (PRS). While the Net Zero commitment remains firm, concerns are mounting that current targets – expecting all rental homes to reach EPC C by 2030 – do not reflect the practical challenges faced by landlords, letting agents, and tenants.

Understanding the Scale and the Stakes

Approximately 60% of private rental properties in England and Wales currently sit at EPC D or below. Achieving the 2030 target would mean retrofitting an estimated 1.6 million homes every year, equating to around 2,000 properties per day. Proposed timelines (2028 for new tenancies and 2030 for all) could intensify pressure on the sector, potentially forcing some landlords to sell, thus shrinking available rental stock and increasing rents.

“Rushed regulation, without a balanced approach, could significantly reduce the number of rental homes—impacting affordability and tenant choice as well as undermining progress on energy efficiency.”

Ettan Bazil, Founder & CEO, Help me Fix

Why a Phased Introduction Makes Sense

Industry voices like Paragon Bank recommend: • Targeting new tenancies first by 2030 • Allowing extensions for longer standing tenancies until 2033 • Full compliance for all properties by 2035 This staged approach would give letting agents, landlords, and contractors time to manage retrofit works, upgrade budgets, and avoid a bottleneck in the required supply chain.

Addressing Supply Chain Realities

Retrofitting works are highly dependent on skilled labour, which is already in short supply. If implementation is rushed, both costs and quality of work could suffer, particularly in regions such as the North and Midlands where a higher proportion of properties are currently rated below EPC C.

How Letting Agents Can Prepare

Letting agents face the unenviable task of guiding landlords through upcoming EPC upgrades while dealing with persistent rental demand. Preparation is key:

• Proactively perform EPC audits across managed portfolios
• Advise landlords on emerging incentives (e.g. Warm Homes Grant) and potential funding caps
• Build relationships with vetted contractors who specialise in retrofit
• Set clear expectations with tenants on timelines and likely disruptions

Technology’s Role in Easing the EPC Transition

Modern property management and repairs solutions, such as Help me Fix, can make the compliance journey smoother. By integrating AI-powered diagnostics and real-time triage:

• Agents can quickly assess property conditions and identify where energy improvements are most urgent
• Repairs and upgrade requests are efficiently routed to the right trades via live video triage and remote troubleshooting, reducing unnecessary site visits and controlling costs
• Automated workflows and digital reporting create an auditable trail – critical for compliance, funding applications, and demonstrating commitment to landlords

Looking Ahead: A Practical Path to Net Zero

Balancing regulatory ambition with sector realities is vital for a sustainable rental market. Letting agents who invest in digital-first repairs and management strategies will be better placed to support landlords, serve tenants, and help navigate changing compliance frameworks. For resources on preparing your portfolio and making the most of remote diagnostics, visit Help me Fix.