Many landlords in the UK remain in the dark about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and the upcoming rule changes, raising concerns about whether government targets for improving energy efficiency in the private rental sector can be met.
This warning comes from The Mortgage Works, which has shared new insights in its latest buy-to-let report.
The lender commissioned a poll of 1,000 landlords across the UK and found that nearly two-thirds (62%) were unaware that it is currently a legal requirement for rental properties to have a valid EPC.
When asked about the future energy efficiency standard, just one in three landlords (33%) were aware that a minimum EPC rating of C is expected by 2030.
Even more worryingly, 73% of those surveyed admitted they did not know the proposed dates for when the new rules would come into effect.
The Mortgage Works said the findings highlight a clear need for greater support and education to help landlords prepare for regulatory changes and improve energy efficiency in a financially manageable way.
According to the survey, 55% of landlords said they would find it helpful to receive guidance on the most cost-effective improvements to boost the energy performance of their properties.
A further 53% expressed a desire for more clarity around what the new EPC requirements actually involve, suggesting a significant knowledge gap within the sector.
Half of the respondents also stated they would benefit from being directed to relevant grants or financing schemes to help cover the costs of making necessary upgrades.
This lack of awareness and preparedness could prove to be a major hurdle in the government’s efforts to make the private rental sector more environmentally friendly.
Improving energy efficiency in rental homes is a key part of the UK’s wider sustainability goals, but these aims may be harder to achieve if landlords are not properly informed or supported.
Without timely and accessible advice, many landlords may delay or avoid making improvements, which could leave tenants in less energy-efficient homes for longer.
It also raises the risk of non-compliance once new regulations take effect, potentially leading to penalties and reduced availability of suitable rental housing.
Experts warn that time is running out, and the sector must act now to ensure it keeps pace with the evolving legal and environmental standards.
Providing clearer information, tailored advice, and easier access to funding will be essential in encouraging landlords to make the necessary changes.
Unless these steps are taken, efforts to modernise the rental market and meet national energy targets may fall short.
A growing number of landlords are facing tough decisions as the UK’s energy efficiency regulations move closer to being finalised. According to recent findings, while 45% of landlords with properties rated EPC D or below intend to upgrade at least some of their portfolio to meet the government’s target of an EPC C rating, a significant proportion – around 28% – are planning to sell instead.
Despite intentions to make improvements, more than half (54%) of those looking to upgrade are holding back. Many say they’re waiting for the government consultation to conclude or for the regulations to officially become law before making any investment. This collective inaction could lead to a surge in demand for tradespeople and materials if a short implementation period is enforced.
Uncertainty around costs is also a key factor. Nearly two-thirds of landlords said they are unsure how much it will cost to bring their properties up to the required standard. Around 20% estimate they’ll need to spend an average of £6,632, depending on the property’s current condition and value.
For many, these improvements are expected to have a financial knock-on effect. Over a third of landlords indicated they would need to increase rents to recover the costs—either before or during the improvement works.
However, not all landlords are relying on rental increases to cover the expenses. Some plan to dip into their current accounts or savings, with 38% saying they would fund the upgrades this way. Another 17% said they would consider applying for a further advance on their mortgage to cover the improvements.
The Mortgage Works, which commissioned the research, has called on the government to consider three key recommendations to ensure the transition is realistic and fair.
Firstly, they urge policymakers to allow for more time between the finalisation of EPC reform and the date when the new minimum efficiency standards come into force. This would give landlords the breathing space needed to plan and fund the required upgrades.
Secondly, they propose a phased implementation strategy. This would begin with the least energy-efficient properties, such as those rated EPC E, being upgraded to EPC D by 2030. The focus could then shift to properties currently rated EPC D, with the aim of all rental homes achieving a C rating by 2033 or later. This gradual approach would help ease pressure on the retrofit and construction sectors, allowing them to build capacity over time.
Lastly, The Mortgage Works has expressed opposition to the idea of a single national cost cap. They argue that a blanket figure – such as the proposed £15,000 – is too high and doesn’t take into account the diversity of housing stock across the country or the varying financial circumstances of landlords. Instead, they suggest a more flexible framework that recognises these differences and supports landlords accordingly.
As landlords wait for further clarity, many are left in limbo – unsure of how much to invest, when to begin, or even whether to remain in the sector at all. Without clear timelines and reasonable expectations, the risk is that fewer properties will be upgraded on time, ultimately setting back the government’s climate and housing goals.
It’s now up to ministers to provide practical timelines, tailored support, and policy clarity to help ensure the private rented sector contributes to – rather than stalls – the UK’s energy transition.