An influential think-tank wants private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of B by 2030.

The Institute for Public Policy Research says: “Incentives should be matched with new regulation and enforcement actions to ensure compliance. “

Specifically for the rental sector it calls for the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to be gradually raised to at least B by 2030.

It wants the same minimum to be required across all private residential properties, including for owner-occupied homes, at the point of sale or when other renovations are carried out. 

For some two years it has been a requirement under MEES for any new tenancies or tenancy renewals of properties rented in the private rented sector to have a minimum energy performance rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate. 

And from April this year this has also applied to all existing tenancies, even where tenants are staying in place.