EPCs and the Renters' Rights Bill: What Is Changing?

The Renters' Rights Bill is set to transform the private rental sector in England. Here is how the changes may affect EPC requirements and what landlords should prepare for.

What Is the Renters' Rights Bill?

The Renters' Rights Bill, progressing through Parliament, aims to reform the private rented sector by abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions, introducing a new Decent Homes Standard for the private sector, creating a national landlord register, and establishing a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.

How It Relates to Energy Efficiency

While the Renters' Rights Bill itself does not directly change EPC regulations, it sits alongside the government's broader energy efficiency agenda. The Decent Homes Standard, which will be extended to the private rented sector for the first time, includes provisions about thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

The government has also indicated a desire to raise the MEES minimum to a C rating for new tenancies, with a later deadline for existing tenancies. This is being considered separately but forms part of the same policy direction.

What This Means for Landlords

Landlords should expect increasing scrutiny of property standards, including energy efficiency. The combination of the new Decent Homes Standard, the potential C rating requirement, and the new enforcement mechanisms means that investing in energy efficiency improvements now is sensible preparation.

For Tenants

The new legislation gives tenants more power to challenge substandard housing conditions. If your rented home has poor energy efficiency, the new Ombudsman service and strengthened local authority enforcement powers will provide additional routes to seek improvements.