eco-Landlord has welcomed the government’s £15bn Warm Homes Plan, warning that landlords should begin planning energy efficiency upgrades now ahead of changes to minimum EPC requirements later this decade.
The Warm Homes Plan, billed as the largest home upgrade programme in British history, will invest £15bn over five years to improve up to five million homes.
Measures include insulation, heat pumps, batteries and solar panels, aimed at reducing energy bills, tackling fuel poverty and supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions.
For the private rented sector, the plan confirms tougher Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. From 2030, privately rented homes will be required to meet a minimum EPC rating of C, up from the current E, with phased implementation expected to begin for new tenancies from around 2028.
EPC ASSESSMENT
The government has also confirmed that EPC assessment metrics will be reformed in the second half of 2026. The new approach is expected to move away from a single focus on estimated running costs towards a multi-metric system assessing fabric performance, heating system efficiency and emissions, and smart readiness.
The changes are designed to better reflect the benefits of low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels.
There are around five million privately rented homes in England and Wales, with close to half currently rated EPC D or below.
Combined with an ongoing shortage of skilled installers, eco-Landlord says this creates pressure for landlords to plan upgrades early. Properties that reach EPC C before the 2026 reforms are expected to remain compliant under transitional arrangements until their existing EPC expires, typically after ten years.
The Warm Homes Plan also expands grant funding, particularly for solar panels, batteries and upgrades for lower-income households, increasing the opportunity for landlords to improve energy performance while financial support is available.
TIME TO ACT
Angus Stewart (main picture, inset), CEO of eco-Landlord, says: “The Warm Homes Plan delivers much-needed clarity and momentum for warmer, more efficient homes.
“With EPC metrics evolving in 2026, acting now lets landlords secure compliance under the current system, access rising funding, and avoid future pressures.
“Our free platform simplifies the process, delivering benefits for tenants, landlords, and the environment alike.”
