The government must urgently outline how landlords are expected to meet tougher energy efficiency standards by 2030, according to a new cross-sector report. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Energy Saving Trust have called for a clear implementation roadmap covering Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
They warn that landlords, lenders, installers, and councils require certainty now for the sector to complete upgrades within the government’s timetable. This intervention follows a parliamentary roundtable chaired by Clive Betts MP, which included 12 organisations from various sectors.
Participants generally welcomed the government’s Warm Homes Plan and revised approach to MEES. However, they cautioned that the four-year timetable leaves little room for further uncertainty, raising the risk of landlords delaying work.
The report argues that ministers need to explain how the new MEES regime will interact with changes to Energy Performance Certificates. It also calls for clarity on exemptions, enforcement, and financial support. Without this detail, landlords could delay investment, potentially creating a rush for installers and pressuring supply chains.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, stated that landlords want to provide warmer, cheaper-to-heat homes. He added that while recent government changes have made the framework more workable, the focus must now be on delivery. Stew Horne, group head of sector intelligence and external affairs at Energy Saving Trust, called for greater access to green finance products, such as low-cost loans, to support landlords' investments.